The Steam Packet is denying it has any kind of agreement with rival freight company Mezeron, to help out in stormy weather.
A newspaper article, quoting Jorg Vanselow of Dohle, Mezeron's owners, says the two firms swap cargoes when their ships can't sail.
Packet chairman Robert Quayle denies there is any kind of formal arrangement.
He also insists there is no question of the Ben-my-Chree sailing just to prove a point:
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