Steam Packet boss brands Arrow charter reports "fake news"

BBC reported an agreement to charter the vessel to the Channel Islands

Reports from the Channel Islands that the MV Arrow could be made available for the States of Guernsey and Jersey for 'contingency planning purposes' have been branded as 'fake news' by the boss of the Steam Packet Company.

Managing Director Brian Thomson told Manx Radio 'there's absolutely no truth' in the rumours.

Earlier today (3 December), the BBC reported that 'an agreement to charter the Arrow was reached in the last few weeks' after the Channel Island governments trialled the 163m (534ft) Finlandia Seaways freight vessel back in December.

The broadcaster reported it 'understood' the Arrow could be used in a similar manner, 'to get supplies on and off the islands'.

However, given the current situation in the Isle of Man - with the Manxman operating on a contingency schedule of only one daily sailing - the Arrow has been deployed here to operate overnight freight services each day.

It will leave Douglas at 5pm and depart Heysham at 1.30am daily for the next two weeks, at least.

News of the Arrow's possible departure for the Channel Islands had stoked concerns, particularly as the ship has been used in the past by Condor Ferries as a back-up vessel, prior to its acquisition by the Steam Packet.

In its report, BBC Guernsey said they '[understood] Guernsey's States has been speaking with Condor about securing the island's sea links' but that Condor Ferries and the Isle of Man Steam Packet had refused to comment on the possible move.

Both governments told the BBC: "We are aware of the MV Arrow, given its past role serving as a contingency vessel for Condor from time to time."

A States of Guernsey spokesperson added: "We have a memorandum of understanding with Condor Ferries for sea connectivity and remain vigilant in safeguarding our supply chain."

Meanwhile, the Government of Jersey added: "We are in contract with Condor Ferries for sea connectivity, whilst remaining vigilant in safeguarding our supply chain against a wide range of risks."

As for here on the Isle of Man, Mr Thomson told Manx Radio's John Moss the Arrow will not be suddenly taken away from us - and he insisted it is able to handle the added pressure, whilst the Manxman runs on its reduced schedule: