Full ferry fleet available for TT, minister says

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's full fleet of ferries will be available to provide services during the TT period, the treasury minister has said.

Alex Allinson MHK said the Manxman, which would be operating at a full capacity of 948 passengers, Manannan and Ben-My-Chree vessels would be available, with the MV Arrow as a back-up freight vessel from late May.

However, Dr Allinson told Tynwald members a date had not yet been set for the first passenger sailings to the island's new £70m ferry terminal in Liverpool.

He said the facility had not yet been handed over to the Department of Infrastructure as "absolutely essential" berthing trials continued.

He told politicians modifications needed to the fast craft Manannan to enable her to use the terminal included a high-level access platform so the vessel could be used in low tides.

That work, which was due to be finished on 24 May, was not holding up the use of the terminal, he said.

The government-owned ferry firm is run at arms-length by a board of directors, with the Treasury as its only the shareholder.

Dr Allinson confirmed the Ben-My-Chree would continue to be back-up vessel for the ferry firm in line with the Sea Services Agreement, external following its return to the island at the start of the month, but would be taken out of service "periodically for planned essential maintenance".

Questioning what works were to be carried out, Chris Thomas MHK said it was important to know repairs were being undertaken so the vessel could "continue to be used for years to come".

In response, the treasury minister confirmed an "extensive schedule of routine maintenance" was planned for the former main passenger ferry this year, including two generator overhauls, external painting, and maintenance on the main propeller blades and an anchor chain roller.

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