Steam Packet moves to reassure businesses as two vessels remain out of service

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has moved to reassure businesses and consumers that freight supplies to the island are continuing to move as normal while the company’s freight vessel Arrow remains in dry dock.

The operator said on Monday that the Ben-my-Chree was currently carrying all freight requirements, with no inbound freight shipments awaiting dispatch in Heysham as of midday on Sunday.

It said teams on board its vessels and ashore were working to ensure continuity of freight deliveries, with the Ben-my-Chree operating scheduled services while also accommodating additional freight demand.

The reassurance comes as both the Arrow and Manxman remain out of service, placing additional pressure on the Steam Packet’s fleet during the busy summer period.

The Arrow entered dry dock at Cammell Laird/Balaena in Birkenhead on Sunday after an oil leak was identified in one of the vessel’s controllable pitch propeller systems.

Repair work is expected to take five working days, with the vessel due to return to service on August 16.

The Steam Packet said it was continuing to work closely with freight customers to maximise available capacity as passenger numbers are expected to increase ahead of the Manx Grand Prix period.

It said: ‘Every effort is being made to ensure essential freight continues to be prioritised and delivered to support island businesses and consumers.’

The company added that it was monitoring freight operations closely and thanked freight customers for their understanding.

The situation comes as the Steam Packet continues to deal with the extended absence of its flagship Manxman, which remains in dry dock following additional work identified during planned maintenance.

More than 25,000 passengers have already been affected by revised sailing schedules, with the Steam Packet making timetable amendments through to September 2 and continuing to contact customers whose bookings have changed.

The company has previously said it is exploring the possibility of chartering another vessel to support its services for the remainder of the summer season.

It is assessing the availability and suitability of potential ships, although no additional vessel has yet been confirmed.

The Steam Packet said the Ben-my-Chree would continue to handle freight requirements while the Arrow is being repaired.

But the Ben-my-Chree hasn’t been without its controversy, with the company admitting there are a ‘small number of outstanding snagging items’ being addressed following concerns raised about the quality of the Ben-my-Chree’s recent refurbishment.

Questions were raised on social media after a passenger shared photographs of the vessel’s interior, appearing to show missing lights and panels.

The passenger also raised concerns about a lack of space for wheelchair users, the condition of toilets and the comfort of seating onboard.

With the Manx Grand Prix approaching, the operator acknowledged that increased passenger numbers would place additional demand on vessel capacity.

Hospitality leaders have warned that disruption could affect visitor numbers during the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT period.

However, it said it remained committed to maintaining the flow of essential goods and supplies to the island.