Passengers consulted over Isle of Man services
- Published
The current Linkspan User Agreement between the Department of Infrastructure and the Steam Packet Company could be extended until 2026
Ferry users have been encouraged to respond to a consultation over the island's future ferry services.
The government is considering whether to re-negotiate the current agreement with the Steam Packet Company or put a future contract out to tender.
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne said it is an "important issue" which has "significant impact on economic activity and living standards".
The present agreement came into force in 1995 and currently runs until 2020.
The contract between the Department of Infrastructure (DoI) and the Steam Packet Company also has a six-year extension option that can be triggered by either party.
'Competitive tender'
Bill Malarkey MHK said: "Good quality, reliable and competitively-priced ferry travel to the right destinations is a fundamental requirement for leisure and business users in the Isle of Man".
The DoI said it is seeking a broad range of views on past, current and future services.
A DoI spokesman said it is reviewing the long-term future of ferry services and the Linkspan User Agreement, external in order to secure the "best possible outcome for the Isle of Man and its economy".
"The Department has already established that a number of experienced ferry operators may be interested in bidding for the Isle of Man contract if it is put out to a competitive tender," he added.
The consultation, which runs until 9 November, can be viewed online, external.
A report summarising the results will be published later this year.