New ferry terminal will not be in use by TT, government confirms

The new landing stage and terminal cost more than £70m

The new £70m ferry terminal will not be in use by the time the 2024 TT races take place, the government has confirmed.

Berthing trials by Manx ferries at the new facility, which has been marred by delays and spiralling costs, have been taking place since March.

In a statement, the Manx government said the decision not to use the new landing stage during the island’s busiest period of tourism had been taken to “ensure a smooth transition” to the Liverpool terminal.

It said berthing trials would “continue to take place over the coming weeks” but no time for moving sailings to the terminal has been confirmed.

Fast craft Manannan started its berthing trials at the new facility in March

Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall said: “Ensuring the safety of passengers by enabling the captains to become familiar with the demands of the new berth is of the utmost importance.”

“It’s therefore vital that the operational requirements of the Steam Packet and its staff are taken into full consideration.”

Planning for the first sailings or use the new facility outside of the island’s busiest fortnight was the “correct decision in the interests of continuity and passenger safety while staff become accustomed to new surroundings and procedures”.

The Manx government-funded scheme at Princes Half Tide Dock has doubled in price since it was first started in 2019.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company previously said the terminal was on schedule to come into use in spring, but did not commit to a start date.

Managing director Brian Thompson said the berthing trials, which are a mandatory safety procedure, were “necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and crew once the facility is ready for public use”.