The Department of Infrastructure is seeking feedback about the future of the Isle of Man’s strategic sea services.

A public consultation has been launched today, Monday 28 September 2015, and the responses will help to shape any new agreement for the Island’s lifeline ferry operations.

People can submit their views via an online survey at https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=143946711910 or in writing to Mrs Ann Reynolds, Director of Ports, Department of Infrastructure, Sea Terminal, Douglas, IM1 2RF. The deadline for responses is 5pm on Monday 9 November.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK is encouraging members of the public, businesses and passenger groups to have their say on this important issue.

He said: ‘The Department is reviewing the long-term future of ferry services in order to secure the best possible outcome for the Isle of Man and its economy. Our sea links have played a crucial part in the Isle of Man’s development and quality of life for centuries and will continue to do so for many years to come.’

The Minister added: ‘I expect the public consultation to generate comments about current service standards and delivery, but I would urge people to also think about broader issues. We need to explore how the Isle of Man can best secure its key trade route to protect economic activity and standards of living. This process is not asking for comment on the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company; it is a consultation about the issues and priorities that affect all our futures.’

The current ferry arrangements are governed by the Linkspan User Agreement, which provides preferential access to the Department’s linkspan in return for a guaranteed minimum level of service. The agreement was first approved by Tynwald in 1995 to provide long-term stability and to enable Government to control aspects of fares and schedules.

Minister Gawne told Tynwald in July how the User Agreement had helped the Isle of Man to secure modern ships, market growth, competitive fares and improved services.

The current User Agreement runs until 2020, with a six-year extension option that can be triggered by the Department or the current provider, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

The Department is considering its long-term strategic plans and has already established that a number of experienced ferry operators may be interested in bidding for the Isle of Man contract if it is put out to a competitive tender. Consequently, the Department is looking at three options –

• Respect the current User Agreement and start a tender process in 2022, so that a potential new operator would be in a position to take over in 2026.
• Agree to a request from the Steam Packet to end the current User Agreement early and then go out to market.
• Invite the Steam Packet to propose a new agreement that offers such exceptional value to the Isle of Man that Tynwald can agree the benefits outweigh the advantages that could be gained from competitive tendering.

The Department will report on the results of the public consultation later this year.

Minister Gawne has also established a working group of Tynwald Members to review the responses, to provide support in assessing any proposal made by the Steam Packet Company and to help the Department gain the best possible understanding of what Manx residents and visitors want from any future agreement. The group comprises Minister Gawne as chair, Bill Malarkey MHK, vice-chair, Chris Thomas MHK, Graham Cregeen MHK and Geoffrey Boot MHK.