Manxman ‘virtually’ visits new Liverpool terminal

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company have announced that Manxman has made her first arrival at the new Liverpool terminal, albeit virtually.

The Company says that some of the officers and ratings recently undertook a successful trip to simulator facilities in the Netherlands to try out some navigation scenarios on a virtual model of Manxman.

They were able to safely test approaches to Liverpool and Heysham ports in different weather and tidal conditions.

According to the Company, its invaluable experience that feeds into risk assessments for the real world.

It did add that the simulator always makes the water look calm, regardless of what weather conditions are programmed in!

Liverpool dock

There is no hiding from the fact that the new terminal has been under a fair bit of scrutiny.

The Speaker of the House of Keys himself saying its had a “rushed delivery timescale, which was inadequately planned and proved to be hopelessly ambitious in its initial budgeting”.

The Steam Packet Company is hoping the new ferry terminal will commence operations in Spring 2024.

The Manannan is set to be the first vessel to test the berth and operate from the new terminal.

Brian Thomson, Managing Director of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, said:

“All being well, we are on schedule to commence operations from the new Isle of Man Government terminal in Spring 2024, but until the berth fit has taken place and we’ve started berth trials we won’t be in a position to commit to a firm date for the first sailing.”

Brian Thomson, Managing Director of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company

There is a contingency plan for Manannan’s first sailings to take place via the existing terminal at Pier Head.