MANXMAN © John Bryant

IOMSPC’s new flagship MANXMAN to enter passenger service on 17 August

FerryThe isle of Man Steam Packet Co’s (IOMSPC) new South Korean built ro-pax ferry MANXMAN, the company’s new flagship, will enter passenger service on 17 August with the 08.45 sailing from Douglas to Heysham.

The GBP 78 million contract to build MANXMAN was awarded to Ulsan-based Hyundai Mipo Dockyard that included a tender process that also involved shipyards in Poland and Turkey. The ferry was delivered on budget, in May this year.

Following the introduction of MANXMAN, fleetmate BEN-MY-CHREE will continue to operate the overnight service from Douglas to Heysham to allow the new ro-pax to "bed in" before operating night sailing to Heysham.

From 17 September, the evening departure from Douglas to Heysham will move from 19.45 to 20.15 to allow for the changeover of vessels on the King Edward VIII Pier.

BEN-MY-CHREE will continue to operate as a back-up vessel until MANXMAN takes over the service full time in mid-to-late October.

The 24,161 gt MANXMAN can carry 948 passengers and 237 cars and is powered by four Wärtsilä diesel engines: 2 10-cylinder Wärtsilä 31s and two 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 31s, giving a service speed of 19 knots.

Data on MANXMAN and BEN-MY-CHREE in the Shippax Database

Aug 10 2023