Manxman's maiden voyage "weeks rather than months" away

Company "won't rush" to have things ready

The Manxman's first passenger sailing is now 'weeks rather than months' away, the Steam Packet Company's managing director has said. 

Brian Thomson says the company "won't rush things to have Manxman in service before it is ready".

In a general update on the vessel's progress, the Steam Packet has confirmed she has been issued with a seaworthiness certificate.

It also says "improved coating" has been applied to both car decks and crew training has been taking place.

Manxman has completed berthing trials in Douglas and Heysham and made an initial visit to Belfast.