The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has chartered an additional freight vessel to supplement its fleet during TT2012, when around 11.200 motorbikes are booked to arrive in the Island.

It’s the highest number of motorbikes booked for the TT for 10 years, other than the Centenary TT in 2007, and the figure is up 4% on the comparable time last year.

The freighter MV Arrow, now chartered from Seatruck Ferries, will assist with peak inbound and outbound periods. She can take around 1,000 metres of freight and is the sister ship of the freighter MV Helliar, which covered during the Ben-my-Chree’s scheduled dry dock last month.

The Company had previously chartered in P&O Express to assist during the TT fortnight and both chartered vessels will now work alongside Steam Packet vessels Ben-my-Chree and the fast craft, Manannan.

Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘While MV Arrow doesn’t bring any additional passenger space, we have already made provision for 43,000 extra seats scheduled over the TT period.

‘Our crews and shore staff are operating services 24/7 over the TT period, with MV Arrow now providing additional freight capacity during the peak inbound traffic flow from Tuesday, May 28th until Monday, June 4th. She will assist again during the peak outbound period between Saturday, June 9th and Tuesday, June 12th.

‘This second chartered vessel provides additional operational resilience during the busiest time of the year and maintains excess freight capacity for the Island’s businesses and services.’