Government focussing on 'maximising use' of Liverpool ferry terminal 

Highlights over budget facility as delivering 'tangible returns'

The Isle of Man and Liverpool have marked the first anniversary of a cooperation agreement saying ambition will be turned into ‘practical action’.

The agreement between the Manx Government, Liverpool City Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority was signed on 27 March 2025.

It’s focussed on building relationships across economic development, tourism, culture, transport and public services.

A celebratory event to ‘reflect on progress’ has now been held 15 months later.

Leader of Liverpool City Council Liam Robinson said: “The Isle of Man is one of our nearest neighbours with strong links dating back generations and the 2025 MoU is testament to ensuring this enduring relationship thrives.

“We’ve spent the last year building relationships across many different sectors and business organisations, laying a strong foundation for growth over the coming years which will benefit Liverpool and the wider city region.”

Government says its own investment in Liverpool City Centre is also delivering ‘tangible returns’.

It highlights the multi-million-pound Isle of Man Ferry Terminal - which went grossly overbudget - as evidence of this.

The final price tag for the project is still unknown due to an ongoing legal dispute although one former DoI political member claimed it had exceeded £100 million.

It was supposed to cost around £18 million.

Government says the facility provides a ‘permanent base and strengthens a key strategic route’ adding that there is ‘sustained demand’ for Steam Packet sailings.  

It adds that the route is being ‘further enhanced’ through commercial partnerships and promotion including broadcast campaigns and travel packages.

Air connectivity is also said to remain ‘critical’ with Liverpool designated as a ‘core route’ within the Isle of Man’s Strategic Air Services Policy.

That’s despite there being no easyJet flights between the Isle of Man and Liverpool on a Tuesday and Wednesday between July and October.

Speaking at an event at The Comis Hotel Deputy Chief Minister Jane Poole-Wilson said: “The Irish Sea separates us geographically but it has always connected us economically, culturally and personally.

“This agreement has given us a clear framework to strengthen those connections further and to turn shared ambition into practical action.”

Government claims business engagement has increased through the ‘renewed relationship’ between the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and the Department for Enterprise.

The next phase of the cooperation agreement will focus on university partnerships, digital collaboration, business engagement and ‘maximising use’ of the ferry terminal.