The Ben-my-Chree is operating between the Isle of Man and Heysham today (Saturday), rather than Birkenhead.

The Steam Packet says the change has been made due to the high demand for freight, which has come about because of a number of recent sailing cancellations.

According to the company's website, the Ben was due to leave Douglas at 8am, and arrive at Heysham at 12.30pm.

However, her departure was delayed by about an hour, with her eventually leaving just before 9am.

According to the Steam Packet website, the Ben will arrive in Heysham about 12.25pm.  

The return journey is scheduled to start at 2pm, with the vessel arriving back in Douglas at 6.30pm.

Coaches are being put on to run people between the Lancashire port and Merseyside.