THE Steam Packet Company has delayed plans to fix the Ben-my-Chree in order to assist freight customers.
The Ben-my-Chree was originally due to go into dry-dock tomorrow morning (Friday) to have its broken bow thruster unit fixed.
The Steam Packet Company said that after liaising with freight customers, who are urgently trying to get freight to the Island ahead of Christmas, it has decided to adjust the schedule by 12 hours.
Mark Woodward, the chief executive of the company, said: "We have, of course, been in close contact with our freight customers throughout the recent weather conditions and the disruption to our services.
"Speaking to them earlier today (Thursday) we offered to delay the dry docking by 12 hours to allow us to complete additional freight services before the weekend.
"Fortunately Cammell Laird (shipyard) has had a cancellation by another operator which has made it possible for us to offer these additional services.
"The later time for the dry-docking will allow us to catch up freight volumes and will not negatively impact passenger services which have already been scheduled to be completed by Manannan."
This evening's 7.45pm sailing from the Isle of Man to Heysham is freight only.
