Enhanced Northern Ireland–Isle of Man ferry links in new Steam Packet year-round timetable

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s Ben-my-Chree vessel

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has announced a significantly enhanced ferry timetable for 2026/27, strengthening maritime connections between Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man and opening up new opportunities for passengers, freight operators and businesses on both sides of the Irish Sea.

The new three-vessel schedule, which is now on sale, marks the first time in more than 15 years that the Isle of Man has operated a regular three-ship timetable outside the TT period.

Central to the changes is a major investment in services to the island of Ireland, with Northern Ireland set to benefit from increased frequency, year-round reliability and expanded commercial capacity.

Larne and Northern Ireland gain regular year-round connection

A key feature of the new timetable is the deployment of the former flagship Ben-my-Chree to operate an expanded Irish Sea schedule, following the successful trial of sailings to Larne last month.

During the peak season, Ben-my-Chree will operate up to five sailings per week to Ireland, while in the off-season the vessel will maintain a regular three-times-weekly service to Larne, ensuring consistent year-round connectivity between Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

While the enhanced schedule is expected to boost tourism and passenger travel, the company has confirmed that the use of Ben-my-Chree will also support the development of freight and commercial links between Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

This is likely to be welcomed by Northern Ireland businesses seeking alternative sea routes, improved resilience in supply chains, and stronger access to the Isle of Man’s economy.

Economic and social benefits for Northern Ireland

The strengthened Larne connection is expected to bring wider economic benefits, including:

• Improved access for Northern Ireland visitors and short-break tourists travelling to the Isle of Man

• New freight and logistics opportunities via Larne port

• Greater flexibility for business travel and commercial operations

• Increased resilience and choice in Irish Sea ferry services

With Ben-my-Chree taking responsibility for Irish traffic, the company’s other vessels, Manannan and Manxman, will be freed to increase capacity on core routes, supporting overall growth across the network.

Investment in vessels and passenger experience

To support the expanded Irish services, the Steam Packet Company has confirmed plans for a substantial interior refurbishment of Ben-my-Chree, modernising public areas and enhancing facilities for passengers travelling on the Ireland routes.

This investment follows recent refurbishments to Manannan’s lounges during the winters of 2023/24 and 2024/25, ensuring consistent modern standards across the fleet.

The company is also extending its popular 10% off Flexi Fares and Kids Go Free initiatives, launched in October 2024, which have already driven increased passenger numbers throughout 2025.

Company commitment – but with a clear warning

Commenting on the launch of the new timetable, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Managing Director Brian Thomson said:

“Following on from the pricing initiatives unveiled last year, the growth in ferry travel has been very positive. We’re committed to supporting a growth agenda for the Isle of Man and we feel this is the good use of our resources to do that.”

He added:

“My team has worked very hard on pulling together the business case for the increased services to our neighbouring islands and we want to make a success out of this. We, as a Company, are investing heavily in growing our business and, as a result, the economic and social opportunities for the Isle of Man.”

However, Mr Thomson stressed that continued demand would be crucial to the long-term future of the enhanced Irish routes:

“What I would say though, is this is a case of use it or lose it. We cannot, as a Company, afford to back an initiative that loses money over the long term. We’re making a two-year commitment to the new routes to Ireland today. We’ll be giving it our best shot and we’re looking for support from the business community and residents of the Isle of Man to make sure it succeeds.”

Booking details

The 2026/27 timetable is now live on the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company website and will run through to late May 2027.