Lifeline services to be maintained in revised Steam Packet Company schedule

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has further revised its schedule in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

From Wednesday (15th April), fast craft Manannan will carry out daytime sailings to and from Heysham. In addition, the MV Arrow will provide the overnight freight service to the Island.

The timetable, which will remain in place for a fortnight until 29th April, will ensure all lifeline freight and passenger services are maintained.

The scheduled dry docking of Ben-my-Chree has now been postponed.

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward explained:

"This change to our schedules was an expected part of our prior contingency planning, which included preparations for an element of crew self-isolation. Removing the Ben from service for two weeks allows the crew to follow government guidelines and return on the 29 April to continue scheduled services.  

Manannan and Arrow have been kept ready for use for precisely this reason, ensuring we are able to meet our ongoing commitment to transport essential food and goods to the Island community.

Working to the medical guidelines, sailings remain under regular review and, depending on Isle of Man Government travel restrictions, will continue to be revised as and when necessary.

I can reassure the public that our lifeline freight services are secure and would like to thank all passengers and crew for continuing to act responsibly and safely during this period."

While the Steam Packet Company will contact passengers about any future revisions, only those who have received permission to travel back to the Island, such as essential workers and returning residents, are currently allowed to do so.

Any passenger intending to arrive on the Isle of Man must hold an authorisation issued by the Chief Secretary. Authorisation requests must be made 24 hours prior to the intended date and time of travel by contacting [email protected]

All passengers booked on Manannan fast craft sailings to Liverpool until 29th April will be given the option to transfer to the nearest available service to Heysham or receive a full refund, including those booked on non-refundable special offers. All passengers booked on the now cancelled Belfast sailings will receive a full refund.

Steam Packet Company customers with an online account can make amendments or cancellations online directly, with no need to contact the Reservations Team.

Passengers that do not have an account can register online and link their booking to the new account, as long as the registered email address is the same as the one used for the initial booking.