Company denied linkspan use

A would-be competitor to the Steam Packet Company has been told it can’t use the linkspan in Douglas Harbour to run a ferry service.

Ellan Vannin Line had applied to the Department of Infrastructure for permission to use the facility as it planned to set up a ferry service later this year.

Yesterday, it said delays by the department meant it wouldn’t meet its target date to start services before this year’s TT.

But today on its website, the company says it’s been denied permission to use the linkspan – something it says was vital to compete with the Steam Packet.