Belfast route is SPC passengers' choice

Possible switch to Larne dropped

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has decided not to switch its Northern Irish port - and will continue sailing to Belfast

A three-week public consultation on a possible change to Larne attracted more than 3,000 responses, with the majority of foot passengers preferring the convenience of travelling to Belfast city centre.

The consultation outlined a number of practical advantages of the alternative destination - including more flexible port arrangements for the ferries, and a wider range of faciltiities for passengers - but Belfast was deemed a more desirable location for foot passengers.

Many respondents highlighted the stronger transport network nearby.

Steam Packet Chief Executive Mark Woodward said the company's services to Ireland are "heavily loss-making", but that the company is contractually obliged to provide  the service under its user agreement with the Isle of Man Government.