Government negotiations too slow to allow new ferry service by TT

A would-be rival to the Steam Packet Company says negotiations with the government have taken so long, it won’t be able to set up its services as planned in time for this year’s TT.

Ellan Vannin Line had hoped to set up a competing service between Douglas and the UK in time for this year’s festival.

It applied for permission to use the port of Douglas back in October – but says it is still waiting to hear from the authorities.

Chief Executive Captain Kurt Buchholz, says the company would need three months after receiving permission to get its service up and running – and the delays mean that’s no longer feasible.