Any decision over new ships, and what kind of vessels they are, will not be made by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company until a new user agreement is signed.
That's the view of Chief Executive Mark Woodward who says both the Ben-my-Chree and Manannan should both be fine to continue in service until the current deal finishes in 2026.
Currently, the viability of fastcraft operations in the Irish Sea is being questioned by operators.
And with the Ben-my-Chree halfway through her working life, there are more economic ferries are being built.
Mark Woodward says the ideal situation would be to replace vessels before the current agreement runs out:Clip 1
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