IT is "unlikely" that a freight vessel will be brought in to serve the Island while the Ben-my-Chree is in dry-dock this weekend.
The Steam Packet Company has confirmed that it has been unable to secure an extra vessel to bring freight to the Island.
It says it will explore other avenues to get another vessel but admits that this is unlikely.
This means that the Isle of Man will be solely reliant on the fast craft Manannan to provide a freight service.
Mark Woodward, the chief executive of the Steam Packet Company, said: "Manannan is freight capable but we had planned to supplement her with a freighter charter.
"However the company from whom we had hoped to charter has itself been beset by technical and weather issues. As a result they do not feel able to release a freighter to us.
"We will continue to explore all other avenues to secure a last minute charter but given the lack of suitable freighters operating in our waters this now seems unlikely."
The Ben-my-Chree will enter dry-dock at Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead on Friday to have its broken bow thrust unit fixed.
While the ship is out of service – until Monday, December 19 - Manannan will operate the passenger service to and from Heysham at 8.45am and 2.15pm. She will also cover the Dublin sailing on the evening of Saturday, December 17.
As a result of being unable to secure a freight only vessel the Steam Packet Company has said it will bring Manannan into service earlier than planned.
Manannan is now due to run additional trips on Wednesday, December 14, and Thursday, December 15, for passengers and cars.
Mr Woodward continued: "This is to free up Ben-my-Chree vehicle deck space to provide additional freight capacity in advance of the weekend.
"We will contact passengers and freight customers to confirm any arrangements. However given the continuing and consistent severe weather forecasts all sailings will remain subject to change and may be revised to take advantage of 'weather windows'."
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