Steam Packet changes schedule to avoid low water ahead of harbour dredging

DOI confirms five-day dredging programme to begin next week

The Department of Infrastructure has confirmed a five-day dredging programme is to take place in Douglas Outer Harbour from next Friday (18 April).

The work will be undertaken by specialist contractors Boskalis, who visited the Island for three days’ dredging last month following the completion of a survey by Clydeside Surveys.

The DOI says the focus of the maintenance dredge will be 'on the No.5 berth, the tanker berth and a charted feature that requires the use of specialist machinery'.

In the meantime, however, the Steam Packet Company has made a number of changes to its published schedule 'to avoid low water conditions'. 

The original arrival and departure times in Douglas Harbour for the next week (Wednesday 9 April - Tuesday 15 April), coincide with low water.

As a result, the sailings operated by the Manxman or the Ben-my-Chree, will either be departing at a later time, or will have an extended crossing time.

(Examples of impacted sailings on Friday 11 April 2025)

Both vessels require the same under keel clearance to operate safely.

In addition, Manxman is set to be out of service on 15 April in order to undertake its annual Marine Evacuation System (“MES”) deployment exercise.

Ben-my-Chree will operate the scheduled Isle of Man to Heysham return sailing.

Passengers on any sailings affected will be contacted via text or email to inform them of any changes to plans.

The company says where changes mean passengers are unable to travel on their original bookings, full refunds or amends will be made free of charge.

It has apologised for any inconvenience caused.