More than 13,500 motorcycles are booked to travel to the 2015 Isle of Man TT with the Steam Packet Company.

The figure represents an increase of more than 10% in the number of bookings compared with this time last year.

The increase has been made possible by the Steam Packet Company’s investment in a removable mezzanine deck on fast craft Manannan. This has created additional space for motorcycles during the TT and Festival of Motorcycling periods, allowing fans who have previously travelled as foot passengers the chance to bring their bikes.

Crucially, MV Arrow providing freight services during the TT has allowed more space on Ben-my-Chree for vehicles. The charter of P&O Express has also once again added additional passenger capacity for the event.

Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘The fact that bookings for the TT are up on this time last year shows the ongoing popularity of the event and the demand from visitors to experience it for themselves.

‘We constantly review our services and identified there was a clear demand for extra space for motorcycles. We have invested heavily in the removable mezzanine deck to create this space, and that has allowed us to ensure more people can bring their bikes this year.

‘In addition, there has been significant investment in the charter of P&O Express, to supplement our passenger services, and MV Arrow, which will take over the  Ben-my-Chree’s freight duties during the TT so there is more room for fans.’

He added: ‘Our team works around the clock during the TT bringing fans to the event, and based on the current bookings we’re looking forward to another really busy year.’