The Steam Packet has confirmed it will be ready for new laws designed to clean up shipping.

Under new laws, fuel will have to be cleaner and more efficient under a global directive to reduce sulphur emissions.

A report on the new laws state: ’The current global limit for sulphur content of ships’ fuel oil is 3.50% m/m (mass by mass). The new global limit will be 0.50% m/m will apply on and after January 1, 2020.’

A spokesman for the company said the Manannan burns Marine Gas Oil, which is already compliant with the directive.

He added: ’The Ben-my-Chree can burn the same fuel as Manannan if required when the directive applies, although the Steam Packet currently, as do other operators in the Irish Sea, expect that fuel suppliers are able to supply a blended heavier fuel that is compliant with the directive.’