A new ferry taking over from the Viking it seems...

All on Manx Radio, it is !!

Yesterday was an exciting day for us at the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, as we announced the purchase of a new fast craft vessel. Some of you may have seen the speculation in the press surrounding this. We can now confirm that it is true.

The ship, currently known as Incat 050, will replace our existing fast craft Viking and serve primarily the seasonal Liverpool – Douglas route. The 96 metre wave piercing catamaran will be the largest vessel of its type in the Irish Sea and will significantly enhance the service we can offer due to its faster cruising speed, greater vehicle and passenger capacity, freight backup capacity and increased levels of passenger comfort. You can find more details on our Latest News page or read Mark’s thoughts on this on our very own Chief Executive’s Blog ‘A Word With Woodward’.

With less than a week to go until the start of the TT 2008 we couldn’t resist providing an update. We have just signed up an additional freighter charter for TT. “Merchant Brilliant" will be on charter in Practice Week from 27 May to 31st May and also on 9 June.

This will provide additional resilience and an improved service for our freight customers during this busy time. She will also free up additional vehicle deck space on Ben-my-Chree for any late bookings so it is not too late to book. If you’re planning on travelling during this period please BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment.

All of us at the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company are looking forward to welcoming you onboard.

Best regards,

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company

This is good news. Would you believe I am currently listening to an Australian news report saying that the owners of the Steam Packet, the Macquarie Bank (in Australia that, is) seems to be making profit so maybe there might be more additions to their fleet in due course. What with small airlines closing all round the world the IoM really needs an excellent service on the sea. Also just heard that the Australian CEO has just been given a 50 million dollar handshake and that's on top of his 27 million yearly earnings, so Macquarie obviously has a few dollars in their banks...Let's hope it's the same story in London and the ferry route can be further improved.

DONT GET TOO EXCITED,NEW BOATY DOESNT APPEAR TILL 2009,,