Manxman officially named at ceremony in South Korea

The vessel will join the fleet next week

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s new flagship vessel has officially received its name, ahead of joining the fleet next week.

Manxman was christened at a ceremony at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard where she was constructed in Ulsan, South Korea.

The vessel’s name has been painted in gold to mark her first year of service with the Company.

Adhering to local South Korean custom, Geraldine Ugland, wife of the Chairman of the Board of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Lars Ugland, ceremonially ‘axed’ the vessel to signify its completion and naming.

Managing Director, Brian Thomson said: "This is a moment of which the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company can be justifiably proud, our project team have done great work to help get the vessel to this point. As Manxman receives its official name, we look forward to taking full ownership and to Manxman joining the fleet.

"Manxman’s departure from South Korea later this month is just the end of the beginning of the project. There’s still – literally and figuratively – a long way to go before Manxman enters service. We’ll be keeping everyone up-to-date on progress as Manxman and its crew make the journey from Ulsan to Douglas."