The Steam Packet says it has chartered a new ship in an effort to protect its freight operation.
It has secured the MV Arrow on a long-term basis with the option of purchasing it if necessary.
In recent years it has proved difficult to charter vessels when extra capacity was needed or to cover the Ben-my-Chree when it was undergoing maintenance.
The Steam Packet says the new ship will carry all of the freight during next year's TT period so that the Ben can be fully devoted to passenger traffic.
Chief executive Mark Woodward says the charter will serve as a much needed back up facility:
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