Arrow pressed into action as numbers grow
There are strong signs the popularity of the Classic TT and MGP is growing among bike fans.
The Steam Packet Company says it's seen a 4% increase in the number of motorcycles booked on its ferries compared to last year, while the figure for cars, vans and trailers is up by more than 20%
An aditional 4,400 passengers are due to travel to the Island for next month's Festival of Motorcycling - a year-on-year rise of around 25%.
The firm says it will operate extra freight sailings on MV Arrow during the festival, which starts on 20 August.
That will free-up space on the Ben-my-Chree to handle more passenger traffic over the fortnight.
Mark Woodward Steam Packet CEO said the firm is able to respond to increased demand "only thanks to our substantial investment in the charter of MV Arrow".
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