page_title: SS Ben-my-Chree (1965)
section_title: Disposal
hierarchical_section_title: SS Ben-my-Chree (1965) / Disposal
caption_attribution_description: East Float, Wallasey Docks + historic turbine steamer Ben-my-Chree
context_page_description: TSS Ben-my-Chree (V) was the second of four side-loading car ferries ordered by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. Built in 1965, she was the last of their vessels designed with two classes of passenger accommodation and the fifth company vessel to bear the name. She operated until 1984 and was broken up in 1989.
context_section_description: During the early 1980s, as a result of the formation of Manxline with its RO-RO vessel Manx Viking, the side-loading car ferries of the Steam Packet were seen as becoming increasingly inefficient, and the decision was made to retire both the Manx Maid and the Ben-my-Chree. Whilst their higher fuel consumption would initially be seen as the cost to dispose, the reality was the steam plants were very expensive to maintain, and just not as efficient. The Steamers averaged 9 tons of fuel on a Douglas - Liverpool trip whilst the motor ships Mona's Queen and Lady of Mann less than 4.
  A 30% price increase in heavy-grade fuel oil during 1984, finally rendered the vessels as totally uneconomic.
  Ben-my-Chree made her final voyage under Steam Packet ownership on 19 September 1984, ten days after her older sister. However, this wasn't quite the end for her, and in June 1985 she was chartered back from her new owners to cover the shortfall in capacity for the busy TT motorcycle races. Ben-my-Chree was finally laid up by Capt. Hall in Vittoria Dock, Birkenhead, on 10 June 1985.
  In August 1989, she was sold to Spanish breakers Cantabra Metalurgica S.A. Santander broke her up, still with the name Ben-my-Chree between 18 September and 4 December 1989.
caption: Ben-my-Chree at East Float, Wallasey Docks.
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