Government engaging with UK over international ferry levy plans

Isle of Man won't be affected by July 2026 changes to domestic voyages

Government says plans in the UK to introduce a new net-zero tax on domestic ferry trips won't affect sailings to and from the Isle of Man.

However, it warns separate proposals relating to international journeys, which are due to come into force in 2028, could.

Earlier this week, the UK Government voted to approve an Emissions Trading Scheme for the maritime sector.

Put forward by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero - of which Ed Miliband is secretary - the planned domestic levy will take effect from July, pushing, amongst other things, the cost of a summer car crossing to the Isle of Wight up by £28.

Isle of Man unaffected

A report by The Telegraph claims the Isle of Man would be affected by the change to domestic voyages, but the Isle of Man Government assures that is not the case.

Details of the scheme, as outlined by the UK Government, also confirm that the Isle of Man isn't included in the changes being made this year.

See HERE.

'The Voyages between the UK and Crown Dependencies or British Overseas Territories, as well as voyages between Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories, are not included as a domestic voyage.' 

The Telegraph also reports that UK Ministers are "considering applying the levy to all international journeys to and from the UK from 2028. That would increase the price of cruise holidays to destinations such as Europe and the Caribbean."

In a statement to Manx Radio, the Isle of Man Government says it is "aware of the development relating to domestic UK-to-UK voyages, which is due to come into effect in July 2026 and would not affect sailings to and from the Isle of Man."

However, the spokesperson says: “Separate proposals relating to international journeys are planned to come into force in 2028 and could affect sailings to and from the Isle of Man.

“Officers are engaging with colleagues from the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as part of the consultation process.”

That consultation process is ongoing. 

The Steam Packet Company has declined the opportunity to comment at this stage.