Steam Packet seek new Liverpool berth

Faced with the need to find a new Liverpool ferry base after cruise terminal expansion takes over the historic Pier Head berth used by Isle of Man Steam Packet Company vessels since the 19th century, the Isle of Man Government has identified a new site at the nearby Princes Half Tide Dock.

Government infrastructure manager Phil Gawne says a budget of GBP3.5m has been created as a maximum to buy land from Peel Ports before tenders for design and building a new terminal are sought.

A strategy for future sea services to the Isle of Man covering requirements for vessels, capacity, reliability and service levels is being drawn-up by the island Government including replacement of current Liverpool-Douglas route vessel, the 96 metre Incat wave piercer MANANNAN completed in 1998 and acquired by the Steam Packet during 2009.