Ferry port repairs delayed as crane not available

The government-funded sea terminal was opened at the Princes Half Tide Dock in June 2024

Repairs to the berth at the Isle of Man ferry terminal in Liverpool have been "unavoidably delayed" further due to the unavailability of a crane, the government has said.

Work to modify mooring fenders had been due to be completed at the start of the month, but the date was extended after the contractor asked for more time.

The government said recent adverse weather had affected the availability of a heavy lifting crane needed to complete the project, delaying the works further.

That means scheduled winter weekend sailings of flagship ferry Manxman to the terminal at Princes Half Tide Dock on 15 and 16 November have been moved to Heysham.

It marks the third week in a row the sailings have had to be diverted to the Lancashire port.

Winter weekend sailings of the Manxman to Liverpool had been due to start in early November

Repairs to the government-funded facility were scheduled as a result of the protective cushioning device between the vessel and the berth, known as a dolphin fender, clashing with mooring lines at low tide.

The berth at the terminal is currently unavailable for normal vessel operations until the fender has been safely removed and reinstated.

The government said weather conditions had seen the barge's prior commitments overrun, meaning it had not been available in time to allow the original lifting window of 5 to 8 November to be achieved.

The works had therefore been "unavoidably delayed" as the contractors were "unable to source an alternative barge".

A government spokesman said the berth would remain "unavailable for normal vessel operations until the fender has been safely removed and reinstated".

The Department of Infrastructure had therefore asked the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company to reschedule the forthcoming weekend's sailings, he added.