The damage to the Ben my Chree's stabilising fin is much more serious than first thought.
The fin was removed from the vessel during a dry docking last weekend and it was hoped that it could be replaced during a second scheduled dry docking in early February.
However, Chief Executive Mark Woodward says the manufacturers of the fin have now advised that some key components, which would normally be expected to last the life of the fin, need to be replaced and the repair time will be significantly longer than first believed.
The second dry docking in February will now no longer be needed.
Mr Woodward adds that the manufacturers are assessing the damage and will be reviewing options to cut the repair time to a minimum. An update on the work will be issued as soon as possible.
In the meantime, Ben-my-Chree will continue to operate as previously scheduled to both Heysham and Birkenhead until Manannan returns to service, as originally planned, at the end of March.
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