Ben’s Future Still up in The Air

The future of the Ben-my-Chree remains a matter for debate as the Steam Packet and the gov look to reexamine their relationship.

Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson was giving evidence to a select committee when he was asked about the future of the former flagship.

Since the Manxman replaced the Ben, the Steam Packet has made little attempt to hide its intention to sell her and retain the MV Arrow as its backup vessel, with the Manannan continuing, for now, as the fast craft. However, that too is due to be replaced in the near future.

Speaking to the committee, Dr Allinson said: ‘ I think in terms of the, for instance, the future role of the Ben McCree, and that’s quite clearly set out in the sea services agreement, it names that boat as the backup vessel.

‘So there is no role at the moment that, even if they wanted to, that the board could dispose of that vessel, without breaking the sea service agreement and the repercussions of that.

However, that’s one of the questions that has come up in meeting meetings between the shareholder and the company, is it still a necessity to keep the Ben as a backup vessel still valid, now that we’ve got the MV Arrow for backup freight, which is what the Ben has really been been earmarked for, rather than necessary than the passengers.

‘So certainly going forward, we’ll continue to have those discussions with the board.’