Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne says he will make a statement to the July sitting of Tynwald over the future operation of ferry services.

Asked for an update on progress by Michael MHK Alf Cannan, Mr Gawne said five organisations had responded to his department's request for expressions of interest. He said he would be in a position to make a more detailed statement in July.

Mr Gawne said a Prior Information Notice (PIN) had been issued in December 2014 to see whether a tender exercise would be appropriate or possible, adding: 'The key objective of undertaking this exercise is to enable us to deliver an improved service for the Manx people and Manx businesses in relation to ferry services to and from the Isle of Man.'

The user agreement with the Steam Packet Company expires in 2020 with an option to extend it to 2026.

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