Photographs © Ian Collard & Adrian Sweeney 2008

SUPERSEACAT TWO made her debut as VIKING [II] on February 12, 2008 when she departed Cammell Laird following refit. The application of a modern interpretation of traditional Isle of Man Steam Packet livery is a welcome change to the rather tired former  variation on the Sea Containers livery.

Perhaps the white stripe might just be a tad too high and little too much red boot topping may be showing - but she really does look rather splendid and much more photogenic. If anyone is wondering why the reference to "Bagpuss" it was claimed in publicity material at the time that the artist's impression of a cat which appeared on her bow was inspired by one of Jim Sherwood's pet cats "Bagpuss" - hence some enthusiasts still refer to her by this name. 

The previous VIKING was built by Armstrong Whitworth of Newcastle in 1905 and served the company until 1954.