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Ben goes into dry dock later today

Fri, 16 Dec 2011

The Ben-my-Chree will enter dry dock later today.

The Steam Packet's flagship will be out of service over the weekend whilst its repaired bow thruster is refitted.

The item was damaged during storms earlier this year, and left the Ben with reduced manoeuvrability whilst docking.

The repairs should have been completed earlier but the company in charge of the repairs missed its deadline twice.

The vessel had been due to go out of service this morning, but the Steam Packet Company announced yesterday afternoon that they've put the dry docking back by 12 hours to give more time to clear the freight back log.

Whilst the Ben is out of service, passengers will travel on the Manannan.

Manannan will also carry out a number of freight only sailings over the weekend, as the ferry operator was unable to charter a freight vessel.

The Ben-my-Chree will re-enter service early next week. 

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