Freight sailings hit by linkspan problems
The timetables for two Steam Packet freight vessels have been affected by a technical failure at Heysham port's number three linkspan today.
The ferry company has had to alter the proposed timetable for the two freight vessels. The Ben-my-Chree and the Superseacat Two will operate on their existing schedules.
Steam Packet Company managing director Hamish Ross said:
'The linkspan issue is outside of the control of the government and IoMSPC. However we are hopeful the situation should ease over this weekend when other vessel traffic demands on slots will lessen.'
'In association with our colleagues at Heysham Port Ltd - whose assistance has been greatly appreciated - the IoMSPC will provide regular updates to the Department of Transport and our passengers.’
'We are doing our utmost to ensure all visitors wishing to attend the races are brought over to the Island by sea on their expected date. All vessels are operating normally at the moment.'
‘To give an idea of scale – the company has 17,800 passengers booked inbound compared to 9,600 last year. During the TT period we have over 200 extra sailings,six extra chartered vessels, 92,000 passenger movements and 46,000 vehicle movements – as many vehicles as we carried in the first 20 weeks of the year.’
He added that out of 92,000 passenger movements around 5000 were adjusted last week – but the majority were from conventional craft reservations to fast craft with less overall travel time for customers.
Mr Ross concluded:
‘As previously stated, eight vessels will be involved in our TT services including the Ben-my-Chree, Emeraude France, P&O Express, Stena Caledonia, Riverdance, Hoburgen, Phocine and Superseacat Two. TT 2008 has not been affected by these issues. In less than 24 hours we have had over 400 passenger bookings and 224 motor cycles booked to return next year.’
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