Cost of additional ferry terminal work "could be £1million, could be significantly cheaper"

Infrastructure minister faces questions over 'upgrade' to Liverpool site

Work to fix an issue with the Liverpool Ferry Terminal could cost in the region of £1million, but could also be a lot less.

The infrastructure minister has been pressed for a figure following the announcement that an 'upgrade' is needed to allow the Steam Packet's Manxman and Ben-my-Chree to berth at low tide.

In berthing trials last year it was discovered that, at lower tides, mooring lines clashed with a dolphin fender and as a result some winter sailings were affected. 

The DoI is employing contractors in Merseyside to carry out the work and it's hoped, in the long term, that it will lead to 'fewer disruptions to the schedule and a more robust connection between the Isle of Man and Liverpool'.

Read more HERE.

Meanwhile, current estimates put the overall cost of the ferry terminal project north of £70-£75million.

Dr Michelle Haywood was asked how much more this additional work will add to that total:

The Isle of Man Steam Packet has altered its sailing schedule for 1-2 November.

Sailings to and from Liverpool on those dates will now operate to Heysham, with coach transfers to the Liverpool Terminal laid on for affected passengers.

The ferry operator says it is 'in constant contact with the DoI in order to be able to implement the scheduled service as quickly as possible'.

All affected passengers will be contacted by the company's reservations team. Should any passengers wish to cancel their sailings, full refunds will be made.

You can listen to the full interview with Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood via the Manx Radio Newscast below: