The flagship ferry Manxman has made its first ‘virtual’ arrival at the Isle of Man Government's new £70m Liverpool terminal due to open in March.

Officers of the Isle of Man Steam Packet, writes IOMToday, undertook a recent trip using the virtual reality simulator facilities in the Netherlands. This was to enable the officers to try out some navigation scenarios on a virtual model of the Manxman.

The company's fast-craft, Manannan as previously reported by Afloat, is due to start running trips on the seasonal Douglas-Liverpool route.

In the coming week, berthing trials are expected at the new ferry terminal, with the Manannan given top priority before those are carried out of the flagship, which will also continue to serve the main Douglas-Heysham route.

Afloat adds, today (23 Jan.) that according to the Steam Packet facebook, sailing are cancelled on the Isle of Man-England route due to the ongoing severe strong winds. Forecast has wind speeds exceeding safe limits at both Douglas and Heysham, preventing safe entry.

Due to weather conditions exceeding Douglas Harbour wind limits, Manxman will proceed to sea to seek shelter.

The same scenario arose at the peak of Storm Isha, when the flagship on Sunday was forced to go to sea.