- Manxman ferry expected to return by end of November 2026
- Repairs needed on propulsion shaft liners and bearings
- Shafts transported to Denmark for repairs
- Ben-my-Chree handling primary passenger sailings
- Independent marine investigation launched
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is confident that its flagship ferry the Manxman will return to regular service by the end of November 2026 and no later following extensive specialist repairs to its propulsion system. During scheduled maintenance in dry dock in July 2026 engineers discovered unexpected and significant wear on the liners of the vessel’s two propulsion shafts and their associated bearings.
In normal schedules Heysham-Douglas operates seven days a week year-round as the flagship route for cars and freight and Liverpool-Douglas operates seasonal or winter weekend sailings supplementing the fastcraft. Manman also occasionally Douglas to Irish Sea ports including Belfast, Larne, and Dublin during specific schedules or peak periods.
Each propulsion shaft measures 18 metres and weighs over 17 tonnes. The shafts had to be transported to specialist facilities in Denmark for material sourcing and heavy repairs a process taking six to eight weeks. Once the parts return to the shipyard in Liverpool technicians face a complex re assembly process followed by mandatory regulatory inspections and sea trials before passenger service resumes. An independent marine investigation has been launched to determine the root cause of the unexpected wear on these components.
While the Manxman is out of action on the main Douglas to Heysham route the backup ro pax vessel Ben my Chree is handling primary passenger and vehicle sailings. The freight only vessel Arrow has been brought in to support cargo capacity while the fast craft Manannan continues operating seasonal schedules. The company’s reservation team is contacting affected travellers in travel date order to adjust bookings or offer alternative options.
Brian Thomson, Managing Director of Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, shared: “While the delay is disappointing for passengers with upcoming travel plans, safety and long-term reliability remain the company’s absolute priority.”
