Sailings altered as 'ongoing dredging issues' lead to 'insufficient water depths in Douglas port'

Steam Packet makes changes to Manxman's timetable over the coming days

The Isle of Man Steam Packet has made some changes to its upcoming sailing schedule due to what it describes as 'ongoing dredging issues' in Douglas port.

The ferry operator has made a number of timetable alterations over the next few days citing 'insufficient water depths'.

The first sailing affected will be tomorrow morning's 8:30am sailing to Heysham (1 April) which will now depart at 8am. 

The return journey, scheduled for 2:15pm, will also depart three-quarters-of-an-hour early, returning from Heysham at 1:30pm.

Other sailings altered include Thursday's daytime crossings to Heysham and Manxman's Friday evening sailing.

Manannan services between Douglas, Liverpool and Larne are unaffected. 

Grounding incident

The Steam Packet's flagship vessel Manxman ran aground in the capital's harbour in March last year, something which was blamed on 'high levels of mud'.

In the aftermath a specialist dredging firm was brought in to carry out regrading work across the harbour using the plough dredge vessel Norma II.

Particular attention was paid to a 'shallow patch' close to the fenders at berth five.

Following that work it was understood that the Harbours Division would tender for a five-year harbour survey programme, which would include regular monitoring at Douglas.

In August, Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper - who was then a Political Member for the Department of Infrastructure - said the DOI was working on a bid for capital dredging to take place in Douglas Harbour.

Manx Radio has contacted the Department of Infrastructure for an update on that work.

Find the latest sailing schedule HERE.