New ferry terminal to open 'by end of June'

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

The new £70m Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool is expected to open by the end of June, the infrastructure minister has said.

Work on the Manx government's project began in 2019 but has been marred by delays and spiralling costs.

Tim Crookall told Tynwald members the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company were completing final works and berthing trials on the facility.

Although no date was confirmed, he said he had "no reason to doubt" that the first passengers would be using the terminal by the end of the month.

Situated at the Princes Half Tide Dock, which is about 800yds (730m) from the existing terminal at the city's Pier Head, the project was originally due to be completed in 2021.

'Purely operational'

Mr Crookall said the government-owned ferry firm was "working towards opening as soon as possible" so that it would be "ready for the busy summer holiday period".

The facility had been "completed to the design and specification agreed by the department and the Steam Packet", he said.

The minister confirmed works left to be finished included the installation of software and hardware, checking systems and X-ray machines, signage and other minor works, responsibility for which "lies with" the ferry firm.

Mr Crookall said the decision to start passenger services using the terminal was one for the company to make as it was "purely operational", but the company had committed to moving from the current linkspan by the end of the month.