#ferry- Berthing trials at Larne Harbour have been confirmed by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, leading to speculation that the company is about to move its Northern Ireland base to the port.

According to The Larne Times, the company vessel Ben-my-Chree sailed into the harbour to conduct the trials at the Chaine and Curran Quay in the early hours of 30 July. The move follows earlier berthing tests as previously reported on Afloat involving the Steam Packet Company catamaran Manannan at the end of March.

There are currently four regular passenger crossings between Douglas and Belfast each week, and Manx Radio in the Isle of Man reported last week that a new ferry route to Northern Ireland could begin in the near future if the berthing tests were successful.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said that the berthing trial had been conducted to provide an alternative option in the event of operational difficulties in Belfast.

The company also said that there was no reason they could not operate alternate sailings from both ports.

To read more on this development in the Co. Antrim ferryport, click here.