At a shipyard in Asia is where the new flagship ferry of the Isle of Man Steam Packet is expected to depart early in the New Year, reports ManxRadio.

Manxman which was built by Hyundai Shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea will embark on an 18,000 mile delivery voyage through the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean to the ferry's new home port of Douglas. This is expected to take around 30 days.

The newbuild is to serve the Island's main route of Douglas-Heysham, will be powered by the world's most efficient four stroke diesel engine, which provides high levels of fuel efficiency and significantly reduced exhaust emissions.

Generators will feed electric final drives, coupled to efficient propellors ensuring a vibration free crossing. Excess electricity generated will be stored by the vessel's on-board batteries, which can be used during periods of higher demand, or while the vessel is alongside in port, to reduce emissions.

According to the Steam-Packet, if all goes to plan the Manxman is to enter service in time for TT 2023.