MANANNAN © Alan Blunden

Isle of Man puts purchase of MANANNAN replacement on hold until Douglas harbour is dredged

FerryThe Isle of Man Government has put the purchase of a new vessel to replace the fast craft MANANNAN on hold until dredging problems in Douglas harbour have been resolved, Chief Minister Chris Thomas said, BBC reported on 9 November. Thomas said the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, which is owned by the government, had agreed to pause the purchase, and that the island should buy "a vessel that suits the harbour" rather than "make the harbour suit the vessel".

According to Thomas, the harbour bottom is now higher than it appeared on charts 20 to 25 years ago. A document with frequently asked questions is due to be published shortly.

MANANNAN, which operates the summer services between Douglas and Liverpool, is almost 30 years old. The island's main ferry, MANXMAN, has been out of service since July for repairs to her shafts, and the back-up ship BEN-MY-CHREE has also been out of service for several days for stern door repairs.

nov 09 2026