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Displaying items by tag: Main Manx ferry

Work to repair the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s main passenger ferry operating the Douglas-Heysham route will see overnight sailings from Lancashire temporarily scrapped next month.

The Steam Packet’s ropax, Ben-my-Chree is to head to the Mersey and enter dry-dock from 23 to 31 March at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead.

According to the ferry firm, work had been brought forward to ensure a "resilient service" ahead of the arrival of the new ferry the Manxman which has been delayed due to a gearbox fault.

While the Ben-My-Chree is off service, the fast-craft ferry, Manannan will operate daytime passenger services on the Douglas-Heysham during the period.

The operator’s relief freight-ferry, MV Arrow will carry out evening services.

As for passengers affected by the disruption, they will be contacted in the coming days, a Steam Packet spokesman said.

Further coverage from the BBC News on the impact to schedules. 

Published in Ferry

The main Isle of Man ferry, the ro-pax Ben-my-Chree is expected to be in shipyard dry dock for a further six days following issues discovered during a routine annual maintenance.

Operator, Isle of Man Steam Packet says worn bearings on the vessel need replacing.

According to Manx Radio, it means the 'Ben' will now return to service on Thursday, 13 May, in time for the morning 8:45am sailing to Heysham.

Until then, the fastcraft Manannan will continue the daytime sailing service to the Lancashire port, whilst the MV Arrow will be in charge of bringing freight across.

Meanwhile, (today's) Monday's daytime sailings to Heysham are subject to possible disruption or cancellation.

Published in Shipyards

Dun Laoghaire Baths Renovation

Afloat has been reporting on the new plans for the publically owned Dun Laoghaire Baths site located at the back of the East Pier since 2011 when plans for its development first went on display by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. 

Foreshore consent was applied for in 2013.

Last used 30 years ago as the 'Rainbow Rapids' before falling into dereliction – the new site does not include a public pool.

The refurbished Dun Laoghaire Baths include the existing Baths Pavilion for use as artist workspaces, a gallery café and for the provision of public toilet facilities. 

Work finally got underway at Dún Laoghaire on the €9 million redevelopments of the old Dún Laoghaire Baths site in June 2018 under a contract with SIAC-Mantovani.

The works have removed dilapidated structures to the rear of the Pavilion to permit the creation of a new route and landscaping that will connect the walkway at Newtownsmith to both the East Pier and the Peoples Park. 

Original saltwater pools have been filled in and new enhanced facilities for swimming and greater access to the water’s edge by means of a short jetty have also been provided.

The works included the delivery of rock armour to protect the new buildings from storm damage especially during easterly gales. 

It hasn't all been plain sailing during the construction phase with plastic fibres used in construction washing into the sea in November 2018

Work continues on the project in Spring 2020 with the new pier structure clearly visible from the shoreline.

A plinth at the end of the pier will be used to mount a statue of Roger Casement, a former Sandycove resident and Irish nationalist.