New Steam Packet vessel unveiled

The ferry is being refitted ready to operate in early 2009

The newest �18m vessel to join the Isle of Man's Steam Packet Company has been named through a competition.

The ferry, a 96m (314ft) catamaran, was christened Manannan after a naming competition which saw the winner claim a �1,000 prize.

Steam Packet Company bosses picked the name to reflect its Manx heritage - in manx mythology Manannan is god of the sea and protector of the Isle of Man.

The ferry will operate on Liverpool to Douglas sailings from early next year.

It will replace the Viking ferry, which has carried more than a million passengers in over 3,000 sailings in seven years on the route.

Manannan will be the largest vessel of her type in the Irish Sea with a faster cruising speed than other ferries.

Mark Woodward, chief executive of the Steam Packet Company, said: "This is a major step forward for us and a significant investment for the future.

"Everyone at the company is looking to seeing Manannan when she finally arrives in Manx waters in her livery."

The new ferry is undergoing a major refit and refurbishment which includes a new ramp for vehicles and new passenger layout.

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