Ben-my-Chree to be trialled on Isle of Arran route

Steam Packet vessel to head to Scotland

The Ben-My-Chree is due to arrive in Scotland later this week with a view to being chartered by ferry operator CalMac.

The vessel will conduct berthing trials on the route linking the Isle of Arran and Troon.

The former flagship has been used as a back-up by the Steam Packet since the Manxman came into service last year.

CalMac interim chief executive Duncan Mackison told the BBC: "We are being proactive in identifying options to add resilience and capacity to the network during what will continue to be a challenging winter.

"This vessel is larger than those currently serving Arran and would add capacity to that service whilst freeing up a vessel to move elsewhere.

"This is just a trial, and a full charter will be subject to agreement from multiple parties. Should this be reached, we will review and publish a plan on wider vessel deployment."

Currently, the Sea Services Agreement requires the ferry operator to keep the Ben-my-Chree, which has been the company's flagship vessel for the past 25 years, as back-up until the agreement expires in 2045.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has told Manx Radio: "We have agreed for Ben-my-Chree to carry out a trial berthing prior to the possible charter for 30-40 days from Wednesday 30 Oct 2024 with Calmac Ferries on its Arran route.

"Ben-my-Chree will assist with services while the Company awaits its new vessels. As with all charters carried out by our vessels, we are able to recall the vessel for our use if required, fully compliant with the Sea Service Agreement."