Fast-ferries of the Irish Sea which number just two, are currently berthed in Belfast and Birkenhead, from where works are been carried out to prepare both craft in advance of seasonal services in the spring, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Irish Ferries high-speed craft, Dublin Swift is at Harland & Wolff’s Belfast Dry-Dock for routine annual overhaul. The 2001 built craft had arrived last week from Liverpool, having been in lay-over mode during the winter months on Merseyside.

Afloat has consulted the operator’s website booking system which sees the first fast-ferry crossing on the Dublin-Holyhead scheduled on 10th March, a week in advance of the St. Patrick’s Day bank holiday weekend.

The Ireland-Wales link is just 1 hour 35 minutes crossing time and runs in tandem with the conventional ferry time of 3 hours 30 minutes. As for passenger (fast-ferry) facilities they include a brasserie, TV lounge, a shop, games zone and free WiFi is available.

On the other side of the Mersey, the Isle of Man Steam Packet’s 1998 built craft, Manannan is at Cammell Laird undergoing maintenance and a partial refit while at the shipyard’s wet basin in Birkenhead.

Also occupying the basin is Stena Europe as Afloat reported previously, the Rosslare-Fishguard ferry which is undergoing repairs following an engine-room blaze. Noting sailings are suspsended until 26th February, just day's before St. David's Day on 1st March. 

As for Manannan's return to duties, this is due to take place on 23rd March, but firstly to cover Douglas-Heysham sailings otherwise routinely carried out by the main ferry, Ben-My-Chree which is to have its annual maintenance in Cammell Laird.

The dry-docking of the 'Ben' is take place between 23-31 March, however this has been brought forward to ensure the ferry provides a more resilient and reliable service during the main busy season, as the delivery of the newbuild Manxman is delayed. The reason follows sea-trails where problems arose with a faulty gearbox which led the new ferry to return to the ship’s Asian shipyard.

Seasonal high-speed craft services between the Manx capital and Merseyside, will see Manannan resume scheduled daily sailings between Douglas and Liverpool landing stage on 31st March.

This fast-ferry operated route takes 2 hours 45 minutes. On board there is seating areas and those comprising of three lounges based on reserved, premium and executive club categories. In addition to two cinema lounges, a bar area and cafe.

Afloat will also have more on the Steam Packet's fast-ferry seasonal routes of Dublin-Douglas and Belfast-Douglas.