As 3FM radio reports, what's next for the Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry the Ben-My-Chree?

The ropax is the the former flagship of the Manx Government owned company which after 25 years last year was replaced by newbuild Manxman when entering service in August.

The question was being asked by Central Douglas, Member of House of Keys (MHK) Chris Thomas, following the ferry’s placement into a reserve vessel where it remains berthed in Douglas as referenced recently in separate Irish Ferries story.

During a sitting at this week’s House of Keys, the MHK is to ask the Treasury Minister, Dr Alex Allinson about the future role of the 1998 built ferry which had served the island’s main and only year-round operated route of Douglas-Heysham.

The Ben-My-Chree also served seasonal routes; Douglas-Belfast/ Dublin though Afloat highlights the latter link to the Irish capital was conducted in the earlier years. The vessel carried 630 passengers, 275 cars and 90 freight trailers. 

Mr. Thomas wants to inquire how the 12,747 gross tonnes Ben-my-Chree can be used and what plans does the Steam Packet Company have for the almost 125m long vessel.

Since the Isle of Man Steam Packet’s newbuild flagship ferry entered service in August, how many times has its predecessor the ropax Ben-My-Chree been drafted in to carry out its sailing roster.

As 3FM reports, this question is to be asked in the House of Keys today by Jason Moorhouse MHK, as part of a trio of Steam Packet related questions tabled for the Manx Treasury Minister, Dr Alex Allinson.

In recent months there have been numerous occasions where weather related conditions have forced the £78m Manxman from not sailing the Douglas-Heysham route leading the 1998 built Ben-My-Chree to cover the service so to maintain operations.

Further questioning from the Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK will inquire about the difference in fuel consumption between the 948 passenger Manxman and the 630 capacity Ben-my-Chree.

As both ferries operate the same Isle of Man-England route and running in similar conditions, the question of how long each crossing took will also be asked at the sitting.