Steam Packet's backup vessel back in service a day after being taken out for repairs

The Ben-my-Chree is back in service after its engineering team completed urgent repairs to the vessel's stern door, just a day after it was taken out of action.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company confirmed on Tuesday evening that the vessel had returned to service following the successful replacement of a damaged component.

The Ben-my-Chree was taken out of service on Monday morning for essential maintenance, with the Manannan and Arrow stepping in to cover its sailings.

The company said its engineering team had successfully removed and replaced a damaged finger flap on the vessel's stern door.

The damaged component was taken to the company's Fort Street workshops, where it was repaired before being reinstalled on the vessel.

The Steam Packet said the work had been completed quickly and efficiently by its in-house engineering team.

Two apprentices, Ryan and Hayden, also assisted with the repair and reinstallation, working alongside experienced engineers.

The company said the work had provided a valuable learning opportunity for the apprentices, while demonstrating the expertise of its engineering team.

A statement added: ‘This repair demonstrates the capability and expertise of our in-house engineering team, while also highlighting the important role our apprentices play in supporting maintenance, safety and reliability of the fleet.’

The Steam Packet also thanked its Fort Street team for its ‘swift response and excellent work’ in completing the repair and returning the vessel to service.

The Ben-my-Chree departed Heysham at 2.15am on Wednesday and arrived in Douglas shortly before 6am.

It has since returned to sea and is scheduled to arrive in Heysham at 11.35am.

Meanwhile, the Manannan is on its way to Larne in Northern Ireland, with the vessel's seasonal schedule due to end on Wednesday.

The Ben-my-Chree had been operating as a stand-in for the Manxman, which has been out of service since September after damage to its propulsion system was discovered during scheduled maintenance.

The £78m flagship is undergoing repairs in dry dock in Birkenhead, with the Steam Packet continuing to expect its return to service by the end of November.

The repairs involve work on the vessel's propulsion shafts, liners and bearings following the discovery of abnormal wear.