
The MV Manxman is a ferry that offers a unique and exciting experience for passengers. It has a capacity for 600 passengers and 130 vehicles.
The ferry's onboard amenities include a café, a restaurant, and a shop selling local goods. You can grab a bite to eat or do some shopping while on board.
The MV Manxman has a range of comfortable seating options, including lounge areas and outdoor spaces.
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Service and Operations
MV Manxman serves the Isle of Man, Liverpool, and Belfast, offering a vital year-round lifeline service to Heysham, as well as sailings to Liverpool and Belfast.
The ferry operates on a twice-daily schedule, making it an essential transportation link for residents and visitors alike. Manxman's flexible design ensures it can adapt to changing needs, including busy periods or when the vessel is undergoing maintenance.
MV Manxman has a gross tonnage of 24,161 and a passenger capacity of 949, with space for up to 495 square meters of vehicles and freight. The vessel's four diesel engines drive electric motors connected to propellers, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 19 knots.
Here's a summary of MV Manxman's key specifications:
Service

The Manxman has undergone operating drills and docking procedures at the Port of Douglas, which is where it spent some time after arriving at its home port.
One of the key milestones in Manxman's service history was its first visit to the Port of Heysham on July 11, 2023.
Manxman commenced operational service on Thursday, August 17, 2023, replacing Ben-my-Chree on the company's main schedule to Heysham.
The Company will retain Ben-my-Chree on a standby basis, to be in service during busy periods or when Manxman undergoes routine overhaul.
Manxman's entry into service marked the start of a new era in the company's operations, bringing with it improved efficiency and capabilities.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Welcomes Newest Flagship
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has welcomed its newest flagship, the Manxman ferry. The vessel was delivered by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea and is designed to suit the needs of Isle of Man residents.

The Manxman ferry is a Ro-Pax ferry with a steel hull and a gross tonnage of 24,161. It has a length of 133 meters, a beam of 26 meters, and a draught of 5.2 meters.
The ferry has a capacity for 949 passengers and up to 495 square meters for vehicles and other freight. It is powered by four diesel engines that drive electric motors connected to propellers, delivering a speed of 19 knots.
The Manxman ferry is designed to be more efficient than its predecessor, with excess power to catch up on the planned schedule if there are unavoidable delays. It also has the ability to operate more efficiently while carrying 300 more passengers and 10% more vehicles.
Here are the specifications of the Manxman ferry:
The Manxman ferry has been designed with excess power to have a service speed higher than its predecessor. It is also capable of operating more efficiently while carrying more passengers and vehicles.
The ferry has undergone a series of trials in two crucial ports, successfully completing them in August 2023. It has also been reported that the ferry will be powered by the world's most efficient 4-stroke diesel engines.
The Manxman ferry is currently operating on the Isle of Man-England route, with a crossing time of 3 hours and 45 minutes. It may also be deployed on routes connecting to Ireland and England during seasonal periods.
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Specifications and Data

The MV Manxman is a impressive vessel with some impressive specifications. It measures 133 meters in length, with a breadth of 26 meters and a draught of 5.2 meters.
Here are some key specifications at a glance:
- Length: 133 m (overall)
- Breadth: 26.0 m
- Draught: 5.2 m
- Gross Tonnage: 24161 gt
- Passengers: 949
- Cars: 300
The Manxman has a top speed of 19 knots and is powered by four Wärtsilä 31 diesel engines, with a combined output of 20.8 MW.
Technical Data
The Manxman ferry is a massive vessel, measuring 133 meters in length and 26 meters in breadth. Its overall length is 133 meters, with a depth that is not specified.
The ferry's engines are a significant feature, with four Wärtsilä 31 diesel engines providing a combined output of 20.8 MW. These engines are a key part of the ferry's powerplant.
Here are the key specifications of the Manxman ferry:
- Length: 133 m (overall)
- Breadth: 26.0 m
- Tonnage: 24161 gross/ net/ t deadweight
- Speed: 19.0 knots
- Capacity: 948 passengers/237 cars
- Engines: 4 x Wärtsilä 31 diesel engines
- Power: 20.8 MW
- Port of Registry: Douglas/Isle of Man
The ferry's draught is 5.2 meters, which is relatively shallow considering its size. Its gross tonnage is 24,161 tons, making it a significant vessel in terms of size and capacity.
Specifications of Ferry

The Manxman ferry is a modern vessel with impressive specifications. It was built in 2023 by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan, South Korea.
The ferry is registered in the United Kingdom and has a gross tonnage of 24,161 gt. It measures 133 meters in length and 26 meters in width.
Here are some key specifications of the Manxman ferry:
The ferry has a powerful Wartsila engine, producing 20.8 MW of power. It has a speed of 19 knots and can carry 949 passengers and 300 cars. The Manxman has 9 decks, with 2 decks featuring cabins.
Ship Details
The MV Manxman ferry is a significant addition to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's fleet. It was built at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan, South Korea, and has a Gross Tonnage of 24,161 gt.
The ferry measures 133 meters in length and 26 meters in beam, with 9 decks in total. It has a capacity for 949 passengers, 300 cars, and is powered by 4x Wartsila 31 diesel engines, producing a combined output of 20.8 MW.

Here are some key specifications of the MV Manxman ferry:
The ferry's powerplant uses artificial intelligence and machine learning in a remote maintenance regime, making it a cutting-edge vessel in the Steam Packet Company's fleet.
The Build
The Manxman two was built at Cammell Laird's Birkenhead yard and served from 1955 until 1982. It was ordered in 1953 and was the last in the 'King Orry' series of six ships built for IOMSPCo in the decade after the war.
The vessel had a gross tonnage of 2,945 and a length of 344ft (105m). It was designed to carry up to 2,383 passengers and 68 crew.
The Manxman was notably different from other ships in the series as it was fitted with a pair of Parsons and Marine Engineering Turbine Research and Development Association (Pametrada) turbines, driven by superheated steam at 350psi, each developing 4,250shp.
The twin-screw ship achieved 21.95 knots during trials in the Firth of Clyde in May 1955.
In 1967, the original two-class accommodation was converted to single class with a capacity of 2,032 passengers.
Ferry Ship News

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's new passenger ferry, Manxman, has been making headlines lately. The ferry has a cargo capacity of around 300 vehicles and a passenger capacity of 949 people.
Severe gales have disrupted transport links to and from the Isle of Man, affecting both passenger ferry services and flights on several occasions. The ferry's route includes Douglas to Heysham, a distance of approximately 93 nautical miles.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company reported its highest number of ferry passengers in 16 years for the year 2023, with over 623,000 passengers. The ferry's crossing time is around 3 hours and 45 minutes.
The Manxman ferry is powered by the world's most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine, a significant upgrade from its predecessor. The ferry's namesakes include the HMS Manxman, a British Navy ship that served in both World Wars.
Here's a brief overview of the Manxman ferry's routes:
- Douglas to Heysham (approx. 93 NM / 110 mi / 170 km)
- Douglas to Belfast (seasonal)
- Douglas to Dublin (seasonal)
- Douglas to Liverpool (seasonal)
The Manxman ferry was ordered on July 30, 2020, at a contract price of £78 million. The ferry's IMO number is 9917244, and it's currently UK-flagged and registered in Douglas, Isle of Man.
Cabins

The cabins on the Manxman ferry are designed to accommodate passengers with different needs and preferences. You can choose from Standard, Premium, and Pet-Friendly cabins.
Standard Cabins are a great option for those on a budget, costing between GBP 65-78 during the day and GBP 80-96 at night. They come equipped with en-suite bathrooms, TV, coffee/tea-making facilities, and room service.
All cabins have a standard layout with two lower plus two upper/bunk beds, power outlets, and a small table. Bedding sets, towels, and toiletries are provided complimentary.
Premium Cabins are a step up from Standard Cabins, offering additional amenities like a mini-fridge, DVD player, and newspapers and magazines. They cost between GBP 75-90 during the day and GBP 90-108 at night.
The Manxman ferry has a total of 9 decks, with 2 of them featuring cabins. This means you'll have plenty of space to move around and enjoy the amenities on board.
Here's a breakdown of the different types of cabins available:
It's worth noting that booking your cabin in advance is highly recommended to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
Onboard Experience

The onboard experience on the MV Manxman is designed to cater to the needs of its passengers. The ship's facilities and amenities were chosen based on a survey of over 8,400 respondents, including 5,173 Isle of Man residents and 3,297 off-island residents.
You can choose from a range of lounge options, including the NIARBYL RESERVED LOUNGE, which offers bow-facing reserved seating for a fee of £7-9 per person per crossing. The PREMIUM LOUNGE is another option, providing panoramic views and perks like personal service, free snacks and beverages, and USB charging points for £22-27 per person per crossing.
Some of the top amenities voted by passengers include a quiet lounge, a dedicated cafe, a cinema lounge, and a children's play area. The ship also features expanded premium and pet lounges, as well as improved public restrooms and more USB charging points.
Shipboard Facilities
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's new ferry, MV Manxman, boasts an impressive array of shipboard facilities and amenities.

One of the top priorities for passengers was the addition of quiet lounges and relaxation areas, with 8,470 responders voting for this feature in the New Vessel Survey.
The Niarbyl Reserved Lounge is a bow-facing reserved seating lounge where you can book a seat online or during the voyage, subject to availability. It costs £7-9 per person per crossing.
The survey also revealed a strong demand for a separate bar area, with 84% of respondents considering this a "high priority".
The Premium Lounge is a panoramic lounge offering personal service, free snacks and beverages, newspapers and magazines, pillows and blankets, and USB charging points. It costs £22-27 per person per crossing.
In addition to these facilities, the ship's design incorporates improved public restrooms, larger vehicle/cargo deck lifts, and a drinking water fountain and recycling facilities.
Here's a breakdown of the top 5 facilities voted by passengers:
- Quiet Lounge/relaxation areas
- Cafe (dedicated eatery separated from other seating areas)
- Cinema Lounge
- Children's Play Area suitable for kids of a wider range of ages
- More Premium Cabins
Review of Ferry
The MV Manxman ferry is a state-of-the-art vessel, with a 2023 build date and a capacity for 949 passengers.

It's owned by the UK's oldest passenger shipping company, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co Ltd, and has a contract price of £78 million. The ferry was ordered on July 30, 2020, and is currently UK-flagged with an MMSI number of 232041396.
The Manxman has a larger cargo capacity than its predecessor, the Ben-My-Chree, with room for 300 vehicles compared to 275. This makes it a great option for those traveling with cars or freight.
The ferry operates on several routes, including the popular Douglas-Heysham route, which takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. It also occasionally runs on routes connecting to Ireland and England.
General Information
The MV Manxman is a catamaran ferry that operates in the UK. It was built in 1998.
The ferry is 67 meters long and has a gross tonnage of 2,100 tons.
It can carry up to 2,000 passengers and 475 cars.
The Manxman has a top speed of 24 knots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a cabin on the Manxman?
Cabin prices on the Manxman start at £65 for standard cabins and go up to £95 for balcony cabins.
What happened to the Manxman?
The Manxman was withdrawn from service in 1982 and eventually broken up in 2012 after a failed preservation attempt.
How much did the Manxman cost?
The Manxman's total cost is £80 million, including £78 million for delivery and an additional £2 million for commissioning.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Manxman
- https://www.nautilusint.org/en/news-insight/ships-of-the-past/2021/june/manxman/
- https://www.doverferryphotosforums.co.uk/mv-manxman-past-and-present/
- https://www.bairdmaritime.com/passenger/ro-pax/vessel-review-manxman-isle-of-man-steam-packet-company-welcomes-newest-flagship
- https://www.cruisemapper.com/ships/Manxman-ferry-1744
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