The old linkspan at Pier Head is still there and can still be used until the new terminal is ready to open.
Manxman didn’t lose four days last week, but it has had intermittent technical problems. Or at least the Steam Packet say they are technical problems. There’s a lot of cynicism here given the industrial relations issues and given the Manxman’s size and issues with wind at Heysham. It’s a shame, it’s really is a fabulous ferry.
The Ben apparently isn’t operational. Well it is, but it is limited to 7 knots. Or so the rumour mill claims.
Manxman did not lose 4 days last week.
There are 4 days planned maintenance for the evacuation system and the Ben My Chree is to stand in on the said dates. The 4 days are spread over several months and are not in one block.
Here is the article on 4 days.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles...eduled to be,Chree, or the fastcraft Manannan
Flagship passenger ferry Manxman will be taken out of action on four occasions for "planned servicing" of its marine evacuation system.
Work is scheduled to be carried out on the system on 26 March, 15 and 25 April, and 7 May, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has said.
The vessel will be replaced on its scheduled passenger journeys by either its predecessor, the Ben-my-Chree, or the fastcraft Manannan.
The testing of the evacuation system involves deploying chutes and detachable survival rafts for emergency situations.
The Ben-my-Chree itself is also due to have its planned annual maintenance and inspection during the months of March and April.
A spokesman for the ferry firm said its reservations team would confirm changes in travel information during the period with passengers via email or phone where appropriate.
The Manannan, which to come back into service to carry out journeys to Liverool at the end of the month, has also been given an overhaul and cabin refit during the winter period, he added.
Go to Mr Drone on YouTube. This week's video is of the Manannan testing and using the new Liverpool terminal and linkspan which looks to be successful