Observed entering Dublin Bay this morning was the Isle of Man Steam Packet’s Manannan, having departed Douglas Harbour, but the fast-ferry was not in service, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The reason for the call by the 98m catamaran craft to Dublin Port was to enable a safety inspection carried out by the Irish Marine Administration (IMA) at the Department of Transport. The examination is to asses the fitness of the fast-ferry to operate to and from Ireland, prior to resuming the seasonal route between these ports, starting in two week's time on 4 April. 

A total of 18 sailings are scheduled for the 2024 timetable, as Afloat previously reported on the crossing taking 2 hours 55 minutes. 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.

The 1998 built Manannan initially spent some time off the Dublin Bay Buoy before entering the port this afternoon. Likewise of previous such occasions, the fast ferry did not berth at its routine link-span at Dublin Ferryport (Terminal 1) but instead headed upriver to Alexandra Basin (East). It was at the basin's Ocean Pier linkspan where less shipping activity enabled an inspection to be carried out on the fast ferry.

The 865 passenger/200 vehicle capacity fast-ferry will also operate other Irish Sea routes leading up to and during the summer months. This involves the Manx capital’s connection to Belfast and the link to Liverpool; see a related story on the new £70m ferry terminal where a lease agreement has yet to be reached.

In the meantime, Manannan is to remain in Dublin Port until a departure of 18:00.