Further delay for opening of new Liverpool ferry terminal

First passengers not expected until March 2024

Berthing trials at the new Liverpool ferry terminal for the Steam Packet's fastcraft Manannan, won't now start until early 2024. 

The £70 million facility is expected to receive its first passengers at the end of March next year.

Earlier this month the infrastructure minister said a deadline of autumn this year was being worked towards.

Meanwhile the company's new flagship, Manxman, will begin berthing trials at the Liverpool facility later in 2024 prior to the start of the Winter weekend sailings schedule.

Passenger facilities and land-based work are set to be completed this summer. However, externally the marine works continue to present challenges in a testing environment, and are expected to continue until Autumn. 

The pace has picked up recently though due to better weather, and more than 70 per cent of the scour protection has now been installed.

It's envisaged that staff training will get underway in January next year.