Ben has many years left in her, says Woodward

The head of an Island shipping company says he believes its flagship vessel will serve the Isle of Man for many years to come.

Steam Packet Chief Executive Mark Woodward was speaking as the 15th anniversary of the Ben-my-Chree approaches.

Although Mr Woodward admits there’s a broad plan to eventually replace the Steam Packet's fleet, he’s confident the Ben will be active in Manx waters for some time yet: