The Steam Packet has outlined how its new vessel, Manxman, measures up in comparison to the Ben-My-Chree, which it is replacing.

The company’s new passenger ferry, due to come into service in 2023, is eight metres longer than the Ben-My-Chree and has an extra 495 square metres of space available for freight and vehicles.

This will mean that the total freight and vehicle space on the Manxman is greater than the area of 21 singles tennis courts.

The South Korean-built, £78 million ferry will also be able carry 319 more passengers than the Ben-My-Chree, with a total of 949.

It will have an additional third passenger deck, and an extra pet lounge, as well as onboard kennels.

The company describes Manxman as having ’Enhanced’ on-board facilities which include a separate restaurant and dining area, a coffee bar which also serves snacks and more shopping facilities.

The Manxman’s hybrid diesel electric engines are more powerful, which the Steam Packet says will result in less disruptions as they will be more equipped to handle poor weather conditions.

However, Manxman will still complete the Douglas-Heysham crossing in about the same time of three hours and 45 minutes, with the company explaining that opting for any minor increase in the ferry’s speed would have resulted in a ’major’ increase in fuel consumption - and therefore emissions.

In terms of cabins, Manxman will have twice as many - 40 instead of 20 - including eight more premium cabins, and two more disabled access cabins.

The new vessel will also have three lifts instead of the one, which are larger with the capacity for 20 people instead of only eight.

The company concluded that while there is little physical size difference between the two ferries, the Manxman will ’feel much more open and spacious’ than the Ben-My-Chree, because of a careful use of space and interior design.

From 2023 the Ben-My-Chree, which was built in 1998, will be retained as a backup vessel.