The infrastructure minister has told the Steam Packet it can expect no special treatment from government, as it comes to terms with the rival freight service which has been set up by Ramsey based Mezeron, between Douglas and Liverpool.

Phil Gawne says there is nothing in the government's user agreement with the company to prevent a container-based freight service out of the capital, and there has always been a possibility one could be started.

He says the Steam Packet must fight to ensure its survival, and is confident it can overcome the problems it is facing, following the loss of key freight customers Tesco and Shoprite to the rival operation (play audio file):

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward has cliamed the Mezeron freight operation poses a threat to his company's passenger services, and Mezeron is not competing for freight busines on a level playing field.