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The Isle of Man Steam Packet. a renewed lease on life.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, the island's main lifeline with the UK, is enjoying a renewed lease on life. It has a new chairman and chief executive, a new brand identity, and is about to take delivery of a new flagship which will be the fastest vessel in its 177-year history.
Sea Express 1 and SuperSeaCat Two, the two existing catamarans, have been given a makeover and renamed Viking and Snaefel, and much thought is being given to a suitably Manx name for Incat 050, the company's 800-seat catamaran being refitted ahead of next year's busy season.
The company is not stopping with a new look.There has been an increased focus on service to passengers, with a new passenger manager, responsible for delivering service quality and consistency, and a new marketing director. Also, GBP20m is being spent on a new 96-metre catamaran that will replace Viking, significantly increasing both passenger and freight capacity.
"We are finding that as we up the standards of service, we are attracting people to travel more regularly by ferry," says Mr Woodward, noting that his company still has plenty of work to do in terms of upgrading its terminal facilities and making sure that "our service is as pleasant and reliable as possible".
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company run services between Douglas, Heysham, Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin.