#FerryTT2015- A special ferry service between Larne-Douglas begins tomorrow (3 June) as the Isle of Man hosts the annual prestigious TT Races which are already underway, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet will operate a fast-ferry service to the island where the TT2015 motorcycle races are set on a 37 mile-plus Mountain Course circuit.

Fast-craft Manannan, will run the 2 hour 45 minute service until 15 June, three days after the TT race programme ends.

During TT2015 the Manannan will also operate on selected dates on the Belfast-Douglas route in addition to those sailings serving the Dublin-Douglas link.

For information and sailings schedule visit the Steam-Packet website here.

#FerryResumes - The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's fast-ferry Manannan resumed scheduled services today on the Douglas-Liverpool route.

The craft completed sea trials ysterday after extensive repairs. As previously reported, the craft was damaged having taken an injestion of floating debris in the water before Easter.

The Steam Packet's Chief Executive Mark Woodward commented yesterday: 'Following repairs to the two starboard water jets and the starboard trim tab Manannan has just completed berthing trials and a short sea trial off Douglas. I am pleased to advise that everything went well and the vessel is ready to return to operational service'.

'I would like to thank our passengers for their patience and understanding while Manannan was being repaired. This has obviously been a difficult period and I want to again apologise for the inconvenience caused to passengers.

'The nature of the damage suffered was the worst we have seen to one of our fast craft vessels. Our team of engineers and divers has worked tirelessly to ensure Manannan was returned to normal service as quickly as possible.'

#FerryDamage – Fast-ferry, Manannan remains out of service following damage last week to the Isle of Man Steam Packet craft.

The reason for the cause of the damage was due to ingestion of floating debris that led to cancelled sailings over Easter and also disrupted services to Ireland. 

Fortunately, the operator's main ferry, the conventional Ben-My-Chree was able to cover in for some sailings though this was at the expense of some of her routine Douglas-Heysham sailings.

Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: 'Work is progressing well to repair the damage to the trim tab and water jet steering gear'.

He added 'I would also like to scotch some of the rumours circulating on some social media platforms and forums. We have never attributed this damage to fishing gear. What we have said is that it is because of debris in the water. The nature of the damage – the worst we have ever seen – suggests that something very substantial was ingested.

'Since 2007 there have been 17 recorded major incidents where our ships have been damaged and passengers have been inconvenienced by disrupted schedules as a result. This latest incident is likely to cost in excess of £100,000 in repair costs alone.

'It is interesting to note too that P&O Express, the ship we chartered to cover yesterday's Belfast service because of the damage to Manannan's steering gear, was itself damaged when leaving the Island yesterday.

It reported a trim tab failure, similar to what happened to Manannan. As a result they had to cancel their own sailings yesterday afternoon and evening.'

#FerryDisruption – According to IsleofMan.com, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company says bad weather this week may mean travel disruption for ferry passengers.

Near-gale force winds in the Irish Sea are forecast for later tonight (Wednesday) and early tomorrow, meaning some sailings may be affected.

In particular, this evening's Douglas to Heysham trip at 7.45pm and the return voyage at 2.15am on Thursday are currently being looked at.

A final decision is due to be made by the master of Ben-My-Chree at 5pm today. To keep up to date of the latest sailings information, click HERE.