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Name: Manxman

Certificate number: 1923

Status:

Designated Vessel

Function:

Passenger Vessel

Sub Functional Area:

Ferry

Type:

Short Sea Ferry

Location:

Pallion Shipyard, Sunderland, England

Current use:

Laid up

  • Length Overall:

    104.92 metres (344.00 feet)

  • Gross Tonnage:

    2,495.00

  • Draught:

    3.66 metres (12.00 feet)

  • Beam:

    14.34 metres (47.00 feet)
Manxman - Manxman - port bow

Web address

http://www.ssmanxman.co.uk/

Builder

History

MANXMAN was built as an Irish Sea Ferry and operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company between 1955 and 1982. She was launched from Cammell Laird on 8 February and trials took place on the Clyde on 12 May, when she reached 21.95 knots. Her maiden voyage was from Douglas to Liverpool on the 21 May. Along with the KING ORRY, she became the winter steamer until the advent of the second car ferry BEN-MY-CHREE in 1966.

She was operated all year round and was renowned for her reliability and sea keeping abilities. She was sold out of service in 1982 and, for about 10 years, remained essentially in original form. She became a nightclub in 1991. In 1997, a fire broke out in what was traditionally the 3rd class ladies lounge and destroyed the original wood panelling. In 1997, MANXMAN arrived in Sunderland, but as she was proceeding up the River Wear her foremast struck the Wearmouth Bridge and bent back at an angle of 45 degrees.

MANXMAN was the final vessel in the series of 8 similar ships and the only survivor. She typified the ultimate version of the short sea ferry prior to introduction of the RO-RO. As such, she represents the long history of Irish Sea ferries upon which the port of Liverpool was established. Her design, layout and overall appearance are similar to many of the passenger liners of that era, she is a 50% scale model. She is historically important to Merseyside and the north west in particular because at the time of her building the Isle of Man was a major holiday destination for families from the area. They all travelled on MANXMAN or her sisters. Not only was she built on the Mersey, but also most of the maintenance, dry docking and overhauls were carried out in this area. MANXMAN has also been used in such films as ‘Titanic’, ‘Chariots of Fire’, ‘The Missionary’ and ‘Yenti’.

These brief histories are compiled from details supplied by vessel owners and enthusiasts and from various reference works. National Historic Ships would be grateful for any corrections of facts or additional information for inclusion. Please contact ron.ellis@nationalhistoricships.org.uk

Subsequent developments

None notified, please let us know if you have any additional information.

Previous names

Bibliography