Displaying items by tag: Safety Examination

2nd April 2022

Manx Fast-Cat Makes Dash to Dublin Port for Examination In Advance of Resuming Services this April

Isle of Man fast-ferry catamaran Manannan made a recent call to Dublin Port to facilitate a safety inspection carried out by the Irish Maritime Administration prior to resuming services throughout the Irish Sea leading up to and during the summer months.

Manannan the fast-ferry catamaran of the Isle of Man Steam Packet, called to Dublin Port for the first time this year, but firstly to undergo an examination of the 96m craft prior to entering service, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The 43-knot fast-ferry built in 1998 by InCAT of Hobart, Tasmania and acquired by the IOMSP in 2009, Afloat had tracked to Dublin Port having on Monday made a morning passage from Douglas Harbour.

The arrival of 865 passenger/200 vehicle Mananan did not involve berthing at Dublin Port's busy main Ferry Terminal No. 1 but upriver to Alexandra Basin and alongside Ocean Pier.

Manannan was boarded by officials of the Irish Maritime Administration (part of the Dept of Transport) to enable an inspection of the craft.

Among the roles of the IMA (equivalent of the UK's Maritime & Coastguard Agency) is to facilitate international safety levels and by enhancing infrastructure needed to secure employment in the shipping, fishing and leisure sectors.

Commenting to Afloat, a spokesperson of the IOM Steam-Packet said the reason for the call by Manannan was to asses the fitness of the fast-ferry to operate to and from Ireland. The examination by the IMA of the Manx-flagged fast-ferry, added the ferry spokesperson had passed with flying colours.

Yesterday, Manannan marked the resumption of the Steam-Packet's core summer route, Douglas-Liverpool by running the 2hr 45 minute crossing. This it to be followed with further connections between the Manx capital and Belfast Harbour (3hrs) on 13 April and calls to Dublin (2hrs 55mins) the next day on 14 April.

Facilities of the fastferry include standard seating areas, two cinema lounges, a large bar area at the stern and a cafe, a shop in addition to reserved and premium lounges.

Previously to this week's call to Dublin Port, Afloat had also tracked Manannan arrive in Douglas Harbour on 26 March having completed a routine annual dry-docking. This year the overhaul took place at A&P Falmouth, Cornwall.

The sailing back from the south-west of England to the Isle of Man involved a passage time taking almost 10 hours.

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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.