The newbuild for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co's main Douglas-Heysham route, the Manxman will be officially handed over on the 10th May.

The Steam-Packet said its new flagship ferry has passed its sea trials with 'flying colours'.

The newbuild completed by the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, had earlier in the year a significant gearbox fault which delayed delivery. Further work was undertaken to install a new gearbox and this was followed with the resumption of sea trials.

During these trials, Manxman was subject to numerous tests over a 10-day period which checked its handling, manoeuvrability, fuel consumption and speed.

On board there were 150 people when the Manxman was in the waters of the Korea Strait - between the South Korean mainland and the Japanese island of Tsushima.

The ferry can accommodate up to 1,000 passengers and has 10% more space for vehicles and freight than its predecessor the 1998 built Ben-my-Chree which was also custom-built for the Steam-Packet.

More from ManxRadio on the progress of the newbuild.