Isle of Man Steam Packet Company: Meet Our Fleet

Having begun operations in 1830, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is proud to be the oldest continually operating passenger shipping company in the world. Today we operate ferry services connecting the Isle of Man year-round to Heysham and seasonally to Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin.    

Our fleet comprises of vessel Ben-my-Chree, high speed craft Manannan and freight vessel MV Arrow. We also have a brand new, bespoke vessel under construction, Manxman, which will replace Ben-my-Chree when she comes into service in 2023. 

BEN-MY-CHREE

Our conventional ferry Ben-my-Chree operates year-round between the Isle of Man and Heysham and offers comfortable and reliable travel across the Irish Sea. Built in 1998, she is 125.2 metres in length and can carry 630 passengers and 275 vehicles.   

With year-round, twice-daily crossings between Douglas and Heysham in 3 hours and 45 minutes, passengers can experience a relaxed and comfortable sailing on board Ben-my-Chree. En-suite cabins with TVs and complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities are available to book, and those travelling with four-legged friends can take advantage of Pet Friendly Cabins and a Lounge too.   

Ben-my-Chree Facilities:

• Coast to Coast Café
• Legends Café Bar
• Four-Berth En-Suite Cabins – Standard & Premium
• Pet Friendly Cabins
• Pet Friendly Lounge
• Niarbyl Reserved Lounge
• Premium Lounge
• On-board Shopping
• Outdoor Deck
• Vehicle Deck

MANANNAN

High speed craft Manannan, which operates seasonally between March and November, provides fast and convenient ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin at just under three hours’ crossing time for all routes. At 96 metres in length, she can carry 871 passengers and 200 vehicles.   

Built in 1998, the high-speed catamaran served as a military vessel for the United States Armed Forces for a number of years before undergoing a refit. We purchased her as a replacement for passenger vessel Viking in 2008. With a speedy crossing time, bright and spacious accommodation and two on-board cinemas, Manannan offers a smooth and enjoyable crossing.   

Manannan Facilities:

• Coast to Coast Café
• Blue Point Café Bar
• Niarbyl Reserved Lounge
• Premium Lounge
• Two On-Board Cinema Lounges
• On-board Shopping
• Dog Kennels – foot passengers travelling with pets
• Outdoor Deck
• Vehicle Deck

MANXMAN

The latest addition to our fleet is due to arrive in spring 2023. Manxman will take over the twice-daily Heysham route. With a passenger capacity of 949, three outdoor decks, 40 cabins, two pet lounges, enhanced entertainment and on-board facilities, she will transform the passenger experience in terms of comfort, leisure and style. You can keep up-to-date with her progress here.  

MV ARROW

In 2022, as part of the Company’s commitment to strategic resilience and maintaining lifeline links to the Island, the roll on/roll off cargo ship MV Arrow was added to the fleet. She will provide back-up freight services during events such as the TT, Manx Grand Prix and other peak travel periods. 

Interested to find out more about our historic vessels? Check out our blog.