Steam Packet 200
Celebrating 200 years of the oldest continuously operating passenger shipping company
2030
In 2030, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company will celebrate 200-years of service to the Isle of Man, making it the world’s oldest continuously operating passenger shipping company.
The Steam Packet’s distinctive black hulled and red funnelled vessels – a livery emulated by Cunard – have plied the Irish Sea in style across two centuries, from the diminutive Mona’s Isle to the award-winning flagship Manxman of today.
The Company has an illustrious and eventful history.
From the outset the Steam Packet has overcome periods of competition, the challenges of operating in the Irish Sea and the changing fortunes of the Isle of Man tourist industry. Each year, the Company still carries tens of thousands of bikers to the TT Race Festival. Steam Packet vessels played significant roles in both World Wars, whilst maintaining lifeline services in difficult conditions; the Company lost three ships in 24-hours during the evacuation of Dunkirk. Now government owned after many years in private hands, the Steam Packet faces the future with confidence.
Organising an event to celebrate Steam Packet 200? Let us know and we’ll add it to our calendar of forthcoming attractions.
Share your memories, photos, film clips and stories about experiences traveling with the Steam Packet over the years.
Take a look into 200 years of history about the Isle of Man Steamship Company by clicking here to visit our history timeline.