Steam Packet cancels some Larne and Heysham sailings

Company says it's to provide 'continuity of service'

The Steam Packet has cancelled several sailings to Larne and Heysham.

It says it’s to provide ‘continuity of service’ and to minimise disruption to passengers and freight customers whilst it waits for repairs to Manxman to be completed.

The work is expected to cost £2.5 million.

Return sailings to Larne on Wednesday 11, 18 and 25 November have been scrapped.

The current Friday and Monday sailings will move to Thursday and Sunday overnight sailings to ‘maintain the route’s connectivity’.

Six overnight Ben-my-Chree return sailings, on Thursdays and Sundays, are also off.

Freight services will be maintained by Arrow which will sail overnight to Heysham on those days instead.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Man Steam Packet said: “As in previous years Manannan will finish her seasonal sailings on 4 November before entering her winter lay-up.

“This year that transition falls while Manxman is still completing repairs so, for a short period, the company will run a reduced schedule.

“Ben-my-Chree will operate a modified Larne, Liverpool and Heysham schedule until the end of November, or until Manxman’s return to service, whichever is sooner.”

Passengers who are impacted by the changes will be contacted by the Steam Packet Reservations Team in travel-date order.