#TTracesFerryFigures – Following the TT2014 races, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co. passenger figures showed a significant increase of 7.5% in the number of motorcycles that visited the island, making it the busiest festival since the Centenary TT in 2007.

Statistics from the Steam Packet reveal it will have carried 12,050 motorbikes and 36,800 passengers to the Isle of Man between May 21st and June 6th.

Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: 'This marks yet another year of growth for the TT and the figures are evidence of the TT's continued attraction for motorcycling race fans. The main statistic to consider is the number of bikes carried, which are up by 7.5% on last year, as passenger figures include all inbound numbers, including residents returning home.'

Ahead of the famous race held over a fortnight, the ferry operator's main vessel, ro-pax Ben-My-Chree on the Douglas-Heysham route was fresh in service from following a £1.6m refurbishment. Fast-craft, Manannan was also kept busy on the Liverpool route and for the first time during the annually held event, ro-ro freighter Arrow provided additional capacity in tandem with Ben-My-Chree on the principle route to Heysham.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, early demand for TT2015 travel is already substantially higher than at this time last year. When bookings for next year opened on May 26th, the number of bookings made in the first 10 hours – 2,500 – was up 41% on last year.

This morning Manannan made round trip sailings from the Manx capital to Dublin Port and this will be repeated with crossings on the seasonal-only operated route next Tuesday.