The Steam Packet has conducted berthing trials with the Ben-my-Chree at Larne in Northern Ireland.

A similar exercise was conducted with fast craft Manannan at Larne earlier this year and both vessels carried out berthing trials at Holyhead last year. The Steam Packet said the trials have been carried out at part of general contingency planning.

Saturday night’s trial involved no disruption to services as the Ben-my-Chree was not scheduled to operate sailings that night.

In a statement, the Steam Packet said: ’The Ben-my-Chree conducted berthing trials at the harbour of Larne as part of the ongoing assessment of the suitability of alternative facilities to allow for flexible and robust contingency planning.

’The company is now assessing the results of Saturday’s trial as part of its continuous review of services.’

Holyhead was identified as a potential standby destination in the event of access to the landing stage Heysham or Liverpool being restricted.

In relation to Larne, Steam Packet boss Mark Woodward has said: ’We are always looking at the suitability of alternative facilities.’