By
Alex Smith |
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s new flagship, Manxman, has arrived in Douglas on the Isle of Man after a 12,000-nautical-mile journey.
The 950-passenger ferry was constructed in South Korea at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and has been travelling to the Isle of Man since its delivery in May. It has called at ports including Hong Kong, Singapore, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Valletta in Malta, as well as transiting the Suez Canal.
Manxman will now undergo inspections by the Isle of Man Ship Registry, including a test deployment of its Marine Evacuation System. The ship will also have to undergo berthing trials in Douglas and Heysham, UK, while the ship’s masters will update their Pilot Exemption Certificates for the new flagship.
Crew training, staff familiarisation, stocking, and other preparations will also be ongoing during these tests. Once these are completed, the ship is anticipated to begin limited service before the end of July. It will replace existing vessel Ben-my-Chree.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is also planning a ‘Round the Island’ cruise to allow islanders to sail on the new flagship without making a return crossing, with details to be announced shortly.
A welcome ceremony for the ship is planned for 9 July.