SS Ellan Vannin (1854) SS Ellan Vannin (1854) SS (RMS) "Ellan Vannin" was an iron-built packet steamer which was operated out of Castletown, Isle of Man for the Castletown Steam Navigation Company (also referred to as the Castletown Steam Packet Company) to Liverpool and Whitehaven. Her name, Ellan Vannin, came from the Gaelic term by which the Isle of Man is known. "Ellan Vannin" was built by John Laird and Co. Ltd, Wallasey Pool, Birkenhead and was launched by Mrs. H. Houldsworth at 13:00hrs on Saturday 24 June 1854. Length 170'; beam 21' (exclusive of the paddle boxes) 39' overall. "Ellan Vannin" was powered
SS Ellan Vannin (1854) to charter the "Ellan Vannin" for the winter months of 1856-57. The rate for the charter was to be £50 per week (equivalent to £ in ) with a further payment of £28 per week (equivalent to £ in ) towards the wages of the crew. The charterer was to be also responsible for the costs of coal, oil and port charges. As terms of this potential charter, the directors had undertaken measures to enable the direct link between Castletown and Liverpool to be maintained. An agreement had been reached with the Ramsey Steam Company who would employ their vessel