It's a big week for the Isle of Man's sea links.
More gale and storm force winds are forecast for the next few days, and the Ben-my-Chree is due to go into dry dock on Friday, to have a replacement bow thruster fitted.
While the Ben is out of service, the Manannan will operate a daily round trip to the United Kingdom, and a freight vessel will be chartered, if one can be found.
The Steam Packet hopes the charter can be confirmed today (Monday), but if no suitable vessel is available Manannan will be used to carry as much freight as possible.
At the end of last week a major haulier on the Isle of Man questioned whether fast craft should be used at all in the present, more austere times.
Infrastructure minister David Cretney can see where he is coming from:
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