Thousands tell Steam Packet what they want to see replace Manannan

All-year all-weather vessel a priority, say respondents

The Isle of Man Steam Packet says it received more than 4,500 responses to its consultation on Manannan's replacement. 

The fast craft is due to be replaced in the fleet by 2030, and the ferry operator recently asked passengers to give their thoughts about what it should consider when choosing its next new vessel.

While the Steam Packet says it's too early to draw firm conclusions from the feedback, there are some 'clear themes'.

These include; a vessel that can operate all year and in all weather. 

And, whilst the company has indicated that the next vessel will likely be slower than the Manannan, passengers say the new ship will 'need' to adhere to a twice-daily service to Liverpool in peak season.

There's also 'strong support' for year-round connection to Merseyside.

Of those who responded the majority were Manx residents, while 30 percent were based off-Island - these include TT visitors and marshals, former residents, friends and relatives of locals, tourists, and business travellers, the company says.

The Steam Packet says the level of response to the survey demonstrates 'the vital importance of sea links to the Island’s residents, visitors, businesses, and wider community'.

Over 2,000 responses were received within the first 12 hours.

The ferry operator has committed to carrying out a 'full analysis' of the submissions, now that the consultation has closed, adding that it will publish a 'public summary' of the findings in due course.