Displaying items by tag: Official Ceremony

30th December 2021

Manx Operator Marks Momentous Moment in Asia As Keel Laid for New Flagship

Isle of Man Steam Packet had a momentous milestone on Christmas Eve as the keel was laid for Manxman, marking the beginning of the newbuild's formal construction at an Asian shipyard. The keel-laying ceremony, a centuries-old tradition which is said to bring luck to the captain and crew during the life of the ship, took place at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s newbuild flagship ferry, Manxman was given an official ceremony held in South Korea, Asia to mark the beginning of the formal construction.

The keel-laying ceremony, which traditionally invites good luck in the construction of a ship and throughout her life, took place at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan on Christmas Eve.

Attended by project managers, Naval architects and surveyors working on the vessel, alongside officials from the shipyard, the milestone event saw the first block of the ship lowered into the building dock and a coin placed under the keel.

The centuries-old tradition is also said to bring luck to the captain and crew during the life of the ship.

Manxman, which is due to replace the Ben-my-Chree when she comes into service in 2023, will be able to carry 949 passengers and have 495m² additional space for freight and vehicles.

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Managing Director Brian Thomson said: ‘The laying of the keel is one of the most significant dates in that ship’s life and, in effect, marks her birth.

‘Not only was it wonderful to mark such a significant landmark and hold a ceremony respecting maritime custom but it also signifies that after years of careful planning, along with plate and panel work and block construction in recent months, the construction of Manxman can now begin in earnest.

‘The project team is working incredibly hard and, as a Company, we are looking to the future with anticipation and excitement as we keep the Island community up-to-date with the progress

Published in Ferry

Tagged under

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.