Displaying items by tag: Catamaran ferry

16th July 2021

Manx Cat Purrs... Again As Fastcraft Finally Returns to Dublin Summer Route

Catamaran fastcraft ferry Manannan built by InCat, underway off the quayside of Dublin Port's main ferry terminal following opening of the seasonal route to Douglas. The service normally resumes in March but was delayed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Due to the pandemic Manx ferry sailings not seen since September 2019, finally resumed on the Dublin-Douglas seasonal service with crossings carried out by a catamaran fastcraft, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The catamaran, Manannan operated by Isle of Man Steam Packet made the outward crossing from the Manx capital to Dublin on the summer service which takes approximately 2 hours 55 minutes.

Resumption of the seasonal operated Irish Sea route follows the Manx Government's easing of Covid-19 border travel restrictions that became effective from 28th June.

Manannan also operates other seasonal based routes linking the Isle of Man and the UK, mainly running the Douglas-Liverpool link, where today the craft has been kept busy.

In addition the 96m vehicle carrying catamaran built in 1998 by InCat, Tasmania, also serves Douglas-Belfast with the next scheduled sailing to the Ulster city on Sunday. A crossing time of 2 hours 45 minutes is advertised, though some sailings run by the conventional ferry, Ben-My-Chree involves a more leisurely passage of almost five hours.

As for the Manannan's next return to Dublin, this is to take place on Tuesday, 20th July, with a departure from Douglas of 07.00hrs. A corresponding departure from Dublin by the fastcraft is at 10.45hrs with an arrival in Douglas during lunch-hour.

While Manannan's roster sees the fastcraft running on several routes, the Ben-My-Chree is mostly concentrated on the year round Douglas route to Heysham in north-west England.

The ageing ferry last month returned to service following longer delays due to unforeseen issues while dry-docking on Merseyside.

As Afloat previously reported, around 31,600 passengers have booked to travel on Steam Packet vessels during July, 16,955 of which are due to sail on board the Manannan.

Manannan was introduced in 2009, whereas Ben-My-Chree dating to 1998, is however to be replaced by a larger custom-built ro-pax due to enter service in 2023. The newbuild is to be named Manxman.

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.