Ben my Chree to go into dry dock due to damage

Tue, 21 Nov 2023

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPC) has confirmed that the Ben-my-Chree has sustained minor damage to its hull, which will result in the vessel going into dry dock for repairs. 

It sustained the damage during passage to Belfast for lay-up; which couldn't be in Douglas due to the Department of Infrastructure’s ongoing works on the King Edward VIII pier in Douglas Harbour.

The Company said that following investigation of various options, it is now apparent that repairs cannot be carried out while the vessel is in the water.

Ben-my-Chree will require drydocking in order to effect permanent repairs. The Company says it is "assessing the quickest way to fix the damage, ideally in combination with the routine annual dry docking".

It says that an internal investigation is being undertaken into the circumstances surrounding the damage and IOMSPC is working in collaboration with Isle of Man Ship Registry, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Lloyds Register.

MV Arrow is in place in order to provide resilience for the Company’s lifeline services.

The Steam Packet will give a further update on the progress of repairs in due course.

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