The new Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry, the Manxman, has finally been delivered after delays due to gearbox problems. The vessels began the long voyage home from Ulsan, South Korea, to Douglas, Isle of Man in May.
The company says that the issues with the new £78 million ferry have been resolved. A gearbox fault was discovered during sea trials of the Manxman in February. However, the government-owned Isle of Man Steam Packet company states the vessel has now “passed its sea trials with flying colours”.
The delay on the delivery left the Isle of Man with only one operational ferry for the connection to the UK mainland after the Ben-my-Chee ferry underwent repairs.
The Manxman was put through 10 days of sea trials, testing its handling, manoeuvrability, fuel consumption and speed. Built at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard it will take over as the island’s main passenger and freight ferry.
The vessel will have increased capacity and be able to take about 950 passengers to and from Heysham, 320 more than the current maximum on the Ben-my-Chree.
Lars Ugland, chairman of the Board of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, signed the official documentation to complete the transfer of ownership on behalf of the company.
