Since the Isle of Man Steam Packet’s newbuild flagship ferry entered service in August, how many times has its predecessor the ropax Ben-My-Chree been drafted in to carry out its sailing roster.

As 3FM reports, this question is to be asked in the House of Keys today by Jason Moorhouse MHK, as part of a trio of Steam Packet related questions tabled for the Manx Treasury Minister, Dr Alex Allinson.

In recent months there have been numerous occasions where weather related conditions have forced the £78m Manxman from not sailing the Douglas-Heysham route leading the 1998 built Ben-My-Chree to cover the service so to maintain operations.

Further questioning from the Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK will inquire about the difference in fuel consumption between the 948 passenger Manxman and the 630 capacity Ben-my-Chree.

As both ferries operate the same Isle of Man-England route and running in similar conditions, the question of how long each crossing took will also be asked at the sitting.