#FerryNews - The main Isle of Man Steam Packet Company ferry, Ben-my-Chree departed Douglas for Merseyside where yesterday the ropax entered dry-dock in Birkenhead for its regulatory overhaul.

According to the operator, the ferry will undergo a scheduled three-week dry-docking which Afloat adds is taking place at marine engineering firm Cammell Laird. 

During the overhaul the chartered in freight-only MV Arrow will provide freight services.

As for ferry passenger services, fast craft Manannan will operate according to the schedule published last autumn.

Until May 8, sailings are scheduled to depart Douglas for Heysham at 08.00 and for Liverpool at 15.30, with the return sailings departing Heysham at 12.00 and Liverpool at 19.30. The only exceptions will be today (April 18) and April 25 when Manannan will operate the Belfast route instead of Heysham.

A coach service will be provided at Heysham to transfer foot passengers to and from Lancaster railway station.

Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘It is a regulatory requirement that Ben-my-Chree undergoes a technical overhaul.

‘This does mean the vessel is unavailable for three weeks, requiring some changes to our sailings during this period. We published Manannan’s revised schedule last autumn to give as much notice as possible and will assist foot passengers travelling onwards, via Heysham, by providing a coach to and from Lancaster station.

‘Freight services will be provided by MV Arrow, once again underlining the value to the Island of the significant investment we are making to retain the vessel.

‘Ben-my-Chree will be back soon, fully serviced and ready for another busy summer season.’