Steam Packet cancellations up 45% in final quarter of 2023

October, November and December saw 46 sailings disrupted

Winter cancellations at the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company have increased for the third consecutive year.

New figures show 46 sailings were cancelled in the final three months of last year, which is up 45 percent on the previous year.

In 2022, there were 29 and the year before that 26.

Treasury - which is the ferry operator's owner - puts the increased disruption last year due to an 'unprecedented number of storms', familiarisation with the Manxman's handling in extreme weather conditions and ongoing training programmes.

In response to the 46 trips that were scrapped, nine additional freight sailings were made as part of efforts to reduce the disruption to businesses that rely on stock being shipped over.

There were seven storms last year, with an average six cancellations per storm.

Other reasons given for the affected trips include byelaws in Heysham which prohibit vessels entering the port when winds exceed 45 knots - or 51 miles per hour.