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No replacement freighter found for Ben my Chree

Mon, 12 Dec 2011

The Steam Packet has been unable to charter another ship to carry freight when the Ben my Chree is out of action this weekend.

The ferry is going into dry dock on Friday and will come back in service on Monday.

The company had hoped to find out today if it could get a replacement to carry cargo on Saturday and Sunday - but the firm they were dealing with can't supply a freighter after all.

The Manannan will take over passenger services this weekend and will also carry a limited amount of freight.

The ferry operator is hoping to bring in extra cargo on the Ben my Chree this week before she goes out of action.

However, this would mean putting the Manannan in service this Wednesday and Thursday to carry passengers and vehicles, leaving additional deck space on the Ben.

Although at the moment, gale force winds are forecast for this week.

Chief Executive Mark Woodward says they'll continue to explore all other avenues to secure a last-minute charter but, given the lack of suitable freighters operating in our waters, it now seems unlikely.

 

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