First berthing trial at Manx Liverpool terminal

Further berthing trials for the Manannan will follow the initial project commissioning trial

The fast craft Manannan has become the first Isle of Man ferry to berth at a new £70m ferry terminal in Liverpool as part of a trial.

Work on the Manx government's project began in 2019 but has been beset by delays.

The vessel arrived at the Princes Half Tide Dock on Wednesday as part of a commissioning exercise which saw "major infrastructure marine works tested", a government spokesman said.

The date of the first scheduled public sailing to arrive at the new terminal will be confirmed after the berthing trials have been completed.

The project commissioning trial saw the Manannan berth at the new terminal on Wednesday

Further berthing trials for the Manannan will follow as part of mandatory safety procedures to enable each of the ferry firm's captains "to become accustomed to the new berth at all tide levels", the spokesman said.

New flagship vessel Manxman's first trip to the new landing stage is scheduled for November, following it's own trials.

Works such as fencing and landscaping continue at the site, and the equipment will soon be installed in the terminal building.

The government said trial tested "major infrastructure marine works"

In November, a bid for a further £10m in continency funding to help pay for the project was withdrawn in November after the treasury minister said the cash could be found in reserves.

At the time, Dr Allinson said his department was "now confident that there were sufficient funds within the existing contingency budget".

During next week's House of Key's sitting, he is set to be asked about when the Steam Packet will lease the terminal and what the term, payment amount and other significant conditions will be.

The government-owned ferry firm is run at arms-length by a board of directors, with the Treasury as its only the shareholder.

The date of the first public sailing to the terminal has not yet been confirmed