
The Steam Packet chief executive has rebutted claims the company has debts of more than 200 million pounds.
Mark Woodward, speaking at last night's (Monday) Positive Action Group public meeting, revealed the debt had been halved and should all be paid off no later than 2026.
His comments come at a time when the government has received eight expressions of interests to run ferry services to and from the Island.
Mr Woodward says a debate about the future of sea routes is overdue and the Steam Packet, whose user agreement runs until 2020 with an option to extend a further six years, needs certainty.
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