Steam Packet confirms changes to Autumn schedule

Changes are being made to the schedule for Steam Packet sailings this autumn.

The company says the alterations are being made to reflect current demand with government border restrictions remaining in place and the summer holidays now drawing to a close.

As a result, from September 4 to November 1, the Manannan will run a return to service to Liverpool on Fridays and Sundays, whilst the Ben-my-Chree will continue to operate twice-daily voyages to Heysham.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and since the closure of the Manx borders in March, the company has continued to run twice-daily services between Douglas and Heysham.

Additional crossings to Liverpool on the fast craft have since started up following the Isle of Man moving to stage four of its border strategy last month.

Steam Packet Chief Executive, Mark Woodward, says: "Throughout this pandemic, we have been dedicated to maintaining lifeline sea links between the Isle of Man and the UK, and have provided excess capacity throughout this period.

"From September, service frequency and capacity will remain well in excess of current demand levels, and there will be a choice of two to three sailings per day for Island residents to travel to the UK throughout autumn."

Meanwhile, any passengers affected by the timetable adjustments will be contacted by the company and given the option of transferring onto another service or receive a full refund.