Packet's abandoned parking plan

A former MHK advised against parking Manxman near ferry terminal

A proposal to move the Manxman to Liverpool Cruise Terminal for several days was rejected over fears of reputational damage.

Documents released following an FoI from Manx Radio outline plans the Steam Packet had to move the flagship while it awaits repairs. 

The vessel was in dry dock at Cammell Laird, but Peel Ports did not approve the Manxman to enter the lock system.

In an email to the company's leadership team, the fleet operations manager set out the proposed plan.

He wrote: "Due to peel ports not approving Manxman to be allowed in to the lock system, the ship will now move from dry dock and go in to Cammell Lairds wet basin."

Under the plan, the Manxman would have departed dry dock and entered the wet basin on 2 August, before moving to Liverpool Cruise Terminal on 25 September.

Non-executive director and former Middle MHK Bill Shimmins, raised concerns about the arrangement.

He wrote: "It would be better if we could avoid parking her at Liverpool Cruise Terminal. This will generate additional reputational damage."

Managing Director Brian Thomson replied: "I wholeheartedly agree and will do everything we can to avoid that."

Manxman is due to return to service by the end of November.