Displaying items by tag: Main Manx ferry

13th February 2023

Work to Repair Main Isle of Man Ferry to Cause Disruption in March

Work to repair the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s main passenger ferry operating the Douglas-Heysham route will see overnight sailings from Lancashire temporarily scrapped next month.

The Steam Packet’s ropax, Ben-my-Chree is to head to the Mersey and enter dry-dock from 23 to 31 March at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead.

According to the ferry firm, work had been brought forward to ensure a "resilient service" ahead of the arrival of the new ferry the Manxman which has been delayed due to a gearbox fault.

While the Ben-My-Chree is off service, the fast-craft ferry, Manannan will operate daytime passenger services on the Douglas-Heysham during the period.

The operator’s relief freight-ferry, MV Arrow will carry out evening services.

As for passengers affected by the disruption, they will be contacted in the coming days, a Steam Packet spokesman said.

Further coverage from the BBC News on the impact to schedules.

Published in Ferry

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Main Manx Ferry to Remain Dry-Docked on Merseyside Shipyard for a Further Period

Isle of Man ferry, Ben-my-Chree is expected to remain in dry dock for a further six days following issues discovered during routine annual maintenance (Afloat adds) at Cammell Laird. A shipyard and repairer facility as above is based in Birkenhead on Merseyside.

The main Isle of Man ferry, the ro-pax Ben-my-Chree is expected to be in shipyard dry dock for a further six days following issues discovered during a routine annual maintenance.

Operator, Isle of Man Steam Packet says worn bearings on the vessel need replacing.

According to Manx Radio, it means the 'Ben' will now return to service on Thursday, 13 May, in time for the morning 8:45am sailing to Heysham.

Until then, the fastcraft Manannan will continue the daytime sailing service to the Lancashire port, whilst the MV Arrow will be in charge of bringing freight across.

Meanwhile, (today's) Monday's daytime sailings to Heysham are subject to possible disruption or cancellation.

Published in Shipyards

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Offshore wind

ESB know the importance of offshore wind in tackling climate change and delivering net zero. Ireland has a unique capability given its prime location to take advantage of the potential of offshore wind. ESB are working hard to develop offshore wind projects for the benefit of everyone across society in Ireland and the UK. This includes ongoing engagement with marine users and local communities so ESB can deliver these significant projects.

Offshore wind will play a major role globally in our fight against climate change. It will help to replace energy generated by burning fossil fuels with that from a clean, safe and secure renewable energy source. Ireland’s geographic location on the exposed edge of the Atlantic presents us with a significant opportunity to generate electricity from wind – both offshore and onshore.

Power from onshore wind farms currently provide over one-third of Ireland’s electricity needs. But, whilst its marine area is many times the size of its landmass, Ireland’s offshore wind potential is only starting to be realised. ESB have a coastline stretching over 3,000km but only one operational offshore wind farm – Arklow Bank, with a capacity of 25 MW. In contrast, Belgium’s coastline is only 63km long, but it has already developed more than 2,000 MW of offshore wind. In Great Britain, with a coastline four times the length of ours, offshore wind generation now equates to over 440 Arklow Banks, with an installed capacity of 11,0000 MW as of late 2021.

The Irish Government's target to install 5,000 MW of offshore wind capacity in our maritime area by 2030 is set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021. It also has the objective to source 80% of Ireland’s electricity needs from renewables by the same year. In line with this, ESB is applying its professional and proven engineering expertise to the challenges set within the Climate Action Plan.

ESB are committed to playing a strong role in developing Ireland’s offshore wind potential for the benefit of the people of Ireland. This will be done in consultation with marine users and local communities, and with due care for the marine environment.