MANANNAN

MANANNAN (IMO: 9176072) sailing under the UK flag. It has an overall length of 315 feets and a beam of 85 feets.

MANANNAN

Vessel Identification

Specifications

Propulsion

Shipyard

Owner / Operator

Operating Region

Vessel Description

Manannan is a high-speed aluminium wave-piercing catamaran operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company on the Irish Sea. Built in 1998 by Incat Tasmania in Hobart, Australia, she is one of the fastest car and passenger ferries in regular commercial service in the British Isles.

Named after Manannán mac Lir, the Celtic sea god and mythological protector of the Isle of Man, the vessel is capable of carrying approximately 850 passengers and up to 200 vehicles, making her a significant passenger and vehicle ferry asset on the Irish Sea.

Her wave-piercing catamaran hull design, combined with water jet propulsion, allows her to achieve service speeds of around 42 knots, dramatically reducing crossing times compared to conventional ferries. The Douglas–Heysham crossing, for example, is completed in approximately 2 hours 45 minutes.

Manannan operates primarily during the summer season and during periods of high passenger demand, including the renowned Isle of Man TT motorcycle races, where she provides critical additional capacity. During winter months or periods of adverse weather, operations may be adjusted, as high-speed craft are more sensitive to sea state limitations than conventional ferries.

The vessel has operated under several names and operators throughout her life before joining the Steam Packet fleet, reflecting the common commercial practice of chartering and redeployment of Incat-built high-speed craft worldwide.

Data presented is based on publicly available records. Operational details such as routes and scheduling are subject to change. Users are advised to verify current status via official maritime registries and the operator.