Getting Places - Ben My Chree
Ben My Chree provides the ferry service carrying passengers, cars and freight between Heysham and Douglas.
2007
On 3rd March 2007 I saw Ben My Chree entering the Mersey on approach to Twelve Quays (Birkenhead). This is the IOMSPs first commercial sailing between Twelve Quays (Birkenhead) and Douglas (Isle of Man). The IOMSP has run a regular service to the Isle of Man for 175 years from a variety of Ports such as Liverpool.
The reason for berthing at Twelve Quays rather than the Liverpool is because part of the landing stage (at the Pierhead) sank. The remaining landing stage was suitable for smaller ferries such as Mersey Ferries and fast ferries. Both fast ferries - SuperSeaCat II and Sea Express 1 were unavailable, SSC2 was having a gearbox replaced and SE1 had been involved in a collision. There will be a weekend service (Saturday + Sunday) until another ferry is available.
I took a quick drive from Seacombe to Twelve Quays so see the ship berth. Note that the terminal is designed to handle the much larger vessels that sail to Ireland such as Liverpool Viking (formerly known as Lagan Viking).
2006
In November 2006 Ben My Chree grounded outside Heysham Harbour near low tide. A couple of hours later the vessel refloated and continued to Douglas. A diving survey found no damage to the ship.
In March 2006 there was an incident when entering Wallasey Docks for scheduled maintenance work.
Getting Places.
Other shipping on the River Mersey.
Places of Interest.
Map Index.