New ferry terminal opens its doors

There has been a passenger service between Liverpool and the Isle of Man since 1830

The new £70m Isle of Man ferry terminal in Liverpool has welcomed its first passengers.

The Manx government's terminal, which fell dramatically behind schedule and ran £32m over budget, moves ferry services from Pier Head to Princes Dock.

The first passengers arrived on the Steam Packet's fast craft, Manannan, on Tuesday afternoon, with 322 passengers and 77 vehicles on board.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall said the new facility "marks a significant moment in our modern maritime history".

The new terminal will see year-round services between the island and Merseyside

The Manx government bought the site, on a 230-year leasehold from Peel Ports, to secure the future of the key route for the island.

The route has been operated by the Steam Packet Company since its inception in 1830, and remains its busiest passenger service.

While acknowledging the delays in the government-led scheme, Steam Packet managing director Brian Thomson said the company was "pleased to be finally moving to the new terminal".

"What’s been created is a bright, modern, fit-for-purpose facility which will ensure the travelling public will continue to be delivered into the heart of Liverpool - a city with such strong historic connections to the island - for many generations to come," said Mr Crookall.

The Steam Packet has announced plans to extend the ferry timetable, operating weekend winter sailings on its flagship vessel Manxman from November, and a special day trip for shoppers in December.

However, the company will continue to use the Lancashire port of Heysham as its main freight connection with the UK, due to planning restrictions at the Liverpool site.

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