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Ferry set to return end of November
Repairs to the 'Manxman' were expected to cost around £5 million. The estimate related to dry docking and repair work being carried out after wear was discovered on propulsion shafts and associated components during a routine inspection in July. The affected shafts, liners and bearings were removed and sent to the MarineShaft A/S, a specialist marine engineering firm based in Hirtshals, for repairs. The work has now been completed and the components were due to return to Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead for reassembly and recommissioning. MarineShaft engineers were also undertaking precision machining of the shaft bearing housings, On Oct 14, 2026, the 'Manxman' has shifted from Liverpool to the dry dock at the Balaena Birkenhead. The two propulsion shafts, liners and bearings were being refitted. The work marked the next stage in efforts to return the vessel to service, with the Steam Packet still targeting a return towards the end of November, subject to sea trials. The company Steam Packet stressed that the estimated £5 million cost would be met from its own reserves and would not require government funding. Report with photos: https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/steam-packet-issue-update-on-flagship-vessel-as-repairs-move-to-next-stage-966345
Manxman suffered problems with shaft bearings
The 'Manxman', drydocked at Cammel Laird in Birkenhead since July 15, remained at the shipyard beyond its planned return to service, after planned maintenance and inspections found that further necessary repairs were required. Engineers found wear on the propulsion shaft bearings, parts which could not be inspected until they had been removed. The 18-metre shafts have been taken to a specialist company based in Hirtshals. The repair bill for thr 'Manxman' was expected to exceed £2.5m. The Treasury and the company's board approved the sum in July. The damage was a significant wear to both propeller shafts and associated seawater-lubricated shaft bearings, requiring removal and refurbishment of the shafts. The predominant working theories on what caused the damage were contamination through debris or silt entering the seawater-lubricated bearing system or a material or manufacturing defect in the bearings or liner. The Steam Packet's flagship has been out of action since July with shaft bearings and associated liners being taken to Denmark for repairs. The vessel was due to return to service by the end of November. The 'Ben-my-Chree' covered the sailings to Heysham along with the 'Arrow', returning to the Island to provide additional capacity for freight services during this period. Report with photo: https://www.three.fm/news/isle-of-man-news/manxmans-enormous-shaft-in-good-hands-in-denmark/
Sailings cancelled due to technical issue
Two sailings of the 'Manxman', scheduled for June 11, 2026, have been cancelled due to a technical issue. Affected were the 9.15 a.m. crossing from Douglas to Heysham, which was due to arrive in Lancashire at 1 p.m., and the 3.15 p.m. return sailing from Heysham to Douglas, due to arrive in the island on the evening. The same came into effect for June 12. Affected passengers have been advised that they can amend their bookings free of charge through their online account. Alternatively, they could contact the Steam Packet reservations team on 01624 661661 or 08722 992992 for assistance. The operator explored the possibility of operating a daytime replacement service to and from Heysham using the ferry 'Ben-my-Chree'. However, that option was ruled out due to a lack of available port slots at Heysham. As a result, the 'Ben-my-Chree' wa drafted in to cover sailings until further notice while repairs continued at the quay in Douglas.
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