A delegation from the Isle of Man will officially unveil the latest addition to the Island’s successful ship register in September.

The launch of the ?21.7 million bulk carrier ‘Caly Manx’, at the Tsuneishi Zhoushan Shipyard near Shanghai in China, will form part of a mission to raise the Island’s profile as a leading international business centre.

Chief Minister Tony Brown MHK, supported by Trade and Industry Minister David Cretney MHK and Director of the Isle of Man Ship Registry Dick Welsh, will meet Chinese Government officials and business leaders during the visit.

Emphasis will be placed on promoting further awareness of the Island of Man Ship Registry which has gained recognition throughout the maritime world for its high standards and efficient service.

The Chief Minister said, "The diversity of the Isle of Man’s economic base is proving to be a great strength, particularly during the current period of global uncertainty.

"The Ship Registry, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is a key element of what the Isle of Man has to offer and we will be highlighting its many advantages in China with the aim of generating more business."

Mr Cretney added, "We are most grateful for this opportunity to witness the delivery of the Caly Manx and also to develop the Island’s interests in the international arena.

"China possesses one of the world’s most powerful economies, so it is important for the Isle of Man to strengthen its links via a series of face-to-face meetings with influential contacts."

Construction of the 190-metre cargo ship has been commission by Lars Ugland, the Douglas-based chief executive officer of local shipping companies LTU Management Ltd and Seven Mile Shipping.

It will set sail under the Isle of Man ensign following the official naming ceremony on 30th September which is to be performed by Manx singer and actress Samantha Barks.

Mr Ugland said, "I am a great supporter of the Isle of Man, and the Ship Registry in particular.

"It is extremely cost-efficient, the standards are world class and the service is second to none.

"I believe that continuing to promote the Ship Registry in countries such as China will lead to more ship owners registering their vessels in the Isle of Man."

Mr Ugland added that when he looked for a suitable "godmother" to name the Caly Manx, singer and actress Samantha Barks immediately sprang to mind.

He said, "Samantha is somebody who has raised the profile of the Isle of Man to the wider public and we feel that she shows to the youth of the Island that with hard work and dedication you can fulfil your dreams."

The Laxey teenager, who found fame on BBC talent show ‘I’d Do Anything’, will take centre stage during the ceremony, cutting a rope to send a bottle of champagne crashing against the bow of the ship as she names it Caly Manx.

Dick Welsh said: ‘I am delighted with this opportunity to promote the Isle of Man and its ship register and we have Lars to thank for putting together such a distinguished delegation to celebrate the delivery of Caly Manx.

"Sam Barks is an inspired choice to name the vessel. It is a great honour for any lady to perform this important feature of the ceremony.

"The choice of “godmother” means a great deal to the owners of the vessel and the crew and Samantha ticks all the right boxes."

Mr Welsh added, "We are delighted that Lars has chosen the Isle of Man as his home and place of business and the Caly Manx will be a valuable addition to the Manx fleet which is growing in size and influence year on year.

"This visit will allow us to promote the flag in China and to cement relations with the Japanese Tsuneishi group, owners of the Zhoushan shipyard."

The Caly Manx is 190 metres long, 32.26m wide and will travel at 15 knots, fully loaded. Following its launch, the vessel will be chartered for five years by Italian company Siba Ships.

The ship will be the first of three new vessels to carry the Manx name, with Star Manx and Geraldine Manx scheduled for delivery on 30th November and 25th January respectively.

They will fly the Manx flag as they sail to major ports throughout the world, transporting bulk cargoes of iron ore, cement, coal, grain and phosphate.