Steam Packet reports strong Q1 passenger figures

The 2024 figure represents a 21% increase

The Steam Packet is reporting a sharp increase in passenger numbers for the first quarter of 2024.

Almost 70,000 passengers travelled with the company in Q1 compared with almost 57,000 in the same period last year.

The 2024 figure represents a 21% increase - helped partially by Easter falling earlier in the year.

The company is attributing the improved numbers to increased utilisation of the Heysham route and the high quality facilities and level of comfort provided by its new flagship, Manxman.

Freight movements also grew during the period. Almost 104,000 metres of freight were carried - up 7% on the first quarter of 2023.

With TT approaching the company is looking forward to a strong year with more passengers currently booked to travel for the 2024 festival than at the same time last year - 45% of whom have opted to use the Heysham route operated by Manxman.