Ferry operator Isle of Man Steam Packet Company hopes that the Arrow will take place in its role as a ro-ro freight carrier.

According to the Manx Department of Infrastructure (DoI), it is reviewing a request from the Isle of Man Steam Packet to replace the ropax Ben-my-Chree with the freightferry Arrow as the fleet's back-up vessel.

In the latest director's report, the company (which introduced newbuild Manxman last week) says it's hoping the DoI will agree to amend the Sea Services Agreement for such a move to take place.

The Sea Services Agreement currently requires the Steam Packet retain Ben-my-Chree on the Douglas-Heysem route, be kept as a back-up until the agreement expires in 2045.

Until recently, Ben-My-Chree was the flagship, however the 1998 built ropax was replaced with the £76m newbuild Manannan which entered service with a maiden crossing on the Isle of Man-England route.

Manx Radio has more on the operator's request.