New Sea Services Agreement still pending

Agreement manages relationship between government and Steam Packet

Work is continuing on a new Sea Services Agreement between government and the Steam Packet but nothing is yet finalised. 

Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall told Tynwald this week that a review into the existing SSA has been completed. 

He said work is ongoing, led by the Department for Enterprise, to explore the socio-economic benefits of a new agreement.  

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper claimed no progress had been achieved since he left the department in January:

Mr Crookall said his department had completed its work but discussions need to be reached with the Steam Packet before a new agreement is in place. 

The minister added he was unable to provide a timetable for the completion of the work or how much the lack of a new agreement is costing taxpayers through the ongoing costs associated with the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool.

Lawrie Hooper has confirmed he'll be seeking re-election in September's General Election. 

The other candidates standing in Ramsey are Robert Cowell and Juan McGuinness.