How a ferry to replace the Manannan will be chosen

The Isle of Man's ferry operator is gathering views about what its new vessel should look like as the Manannan comes to the end of its operational life.

The Steam Packet Company (IOMSPC) has launched a survey about the catamaran's replacement, due to be brought into service in 2030.

The government-owned ferry firm wants to hear from residents and passengers both on and off the island.

And while the company was looking at priorities for the new ship's design, it would "not be a direct replacement on a like-for-like basis", it said.

A spokesman said it was part of the company's "long-term investment programme" to improve reliability and future-proof the service.

Managing Director Brian Thomson said it was the firm's "mission to ensure long-term reliability, year-round connectivity, sustainability and a modern fleet that supports the island's future needs".

In service for 28 years, the Manannan was nearing the end of its workable life, the company said.

The ferry currently operates between Douglas and Liverpool between March and October.

That means passengers hoping to travel between England and the island in winter months only have one option to travel to Heysham Port on the Manxman.

But the IOMSPC said it was now focused on "strengthening year-round connectivity" and the Liverpool link was "central to the consultation".

Any new vessel would also need to be capable of berthing at the new Liverpool ferry terminal at Princes Half Tide Dock.

This new vessel will replace the fast craft vessel Manannan, which was introduced to the local fleet in 2009.

The catamaran was built in Tasmania in 1998 and served with the US military before it was bought by the Steam Packet.

It was originally expected to have a lifespan of 25-years and Thomson, in September, committed to spending £120m on a replacement vessel,

The newest member of the Steam Packet's fleet is the Manxman, the firm's flagship vessel, which began operating in August 2023.

Built in South Korea, the £78m vessel was the Steam Packet's first new passenger and freight ferry since the Manannan in 1998.

Replacing the Ben-my-Chree, which still operates as a back-up vessel, it is the largest in the company's history with a length of 436ft (133m) and a capacity of 950 passengers.

The IOMSPC spokesman said a consultation on the Manxman had "played an important role in shaping the design and delivery" of the ship.

The Steam Packet hopes to have a new ship in operation on the island by 2030.

While the idea of the boat is still in conceptual stages, it is currently unclear whether it will be built from scratch or commissioned from elsewhere.

However with a budget of £120m, it is more likely to be custom-made.

It is also unknown how long the process will take, but the total time spent on the design and build of the Manxman took around three years.

People have until 4 February to take part in the survey.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.