SPC "can't commit" to firm opening date for Liverpool ferry terminal

A number of safety tests still to carry

The Steam Packet says it "can't commit to a firm date" for the opening of the new ferry terminal in Liverpool.

It's after reports in the UK media that it could welcome the first passengers through the doors at the end of March.

Work began on the government's £70 million terminal in 2019 with an initial planned completion date of August 2021. 

However, it's been hit by a number of delays since and costs have risen significantly, costing almost double the original projection of around £27-30m.

In a statement, SPC Managing Director Brian Thomson says they're "excited" about the hoped improved passenger experience, but have to be "realistic" about timelines.

The company says the project is nearing completion, but there are still a number of tests to do.

It's hoped the first berth fit trials will take place in early March, with the Manannan set to be the first vessel to attempt mooring there.

If that goes to plan, SPC says it expects to be in a position to undertake mooring trials and familiarisation towards the end of March. 

This is said to be quite an intensive set of manoeuvres, needing vessels to be brought alongside at all states of tide and in different weather conditions so a full picture can be built for the risk assessments and safety management system.

The Manannan is set to be running from Liverpool at the end of March, and while it's hoped it will be from the new terminal, there is a contingency plan for sailings to take place via the existing facilities if work's not finished.

The Manxman's expected to visit the new terminal for trials in April, with its first passenger sailing planned for November.

Mr Thomson says "We’re very excited about the prospect of improved passenger experience that the new terminal promises, but we also have to be realistic about timelines. Taking a ship, particularly a passenger vessel, to a new berth for the first time is an involved process, and as we always say, safety is our top priority.

"All being well, we are on schedule to commence operations from the new Isle of Man Government terminal in Spring 2024, but until the berth fit has taken place and we’ve started berth trials we won’t be in a position to commit to a firm date for the first sailing."

Mr Thomson adds, "This has been a bigger project than most people expected and a lot has changed since it started out. One thing that has changed is the commercial underpinnings. We’ve been working with the Department of Infrastructure to re-evaluate the heads of terms that were signed early on in the process. I’m pleased to report those talks are going well and we should be in a position to sign off on the lease shortly. This will allow us to get started on the works that we need to do within the terminal and around the facility to be ready to welcome passengers as soon as possible."