The Isle of Man Steam Packet have confirmed publicly that their 1998 built RoPax BEN-MY-CHREE is scheduled to visit Larne tomorrow (29/7/17) night for berthing trials. Â This follows the InCat catamaran MANANNAN visiting Larne for similar trials earlier this year. Â There have been rumours that the Isle of Man Steam Packet may be planning to switch the Northern Irish port for Isle of Man service’s to Larne, HOWEVER the company have yet to suggest this is the case with the official line being that these berthing trials are for contingency planning.
The following was posted to the official Isle of Man Steam Packet Facebook page earlier today
On Saturday night Ben-my-Chree will conduct berthing trials at the Northern Irish harbour of Larne as part of our ongoing assessment of the suitability of alternative facilities to allow for flexible and robust contingency planning. There will be no disruption to services as Ben-my-Chree is not scheduled to operate sailings tomorrow night.