Improvements to the terminal are underway
The terminal is located on the Liverpool waterfront(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
People using a Liverpool ferry service this weekend have been told to expect major changes over the next two weeks. Repairs to the berth at the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal at Princes Half Tide Dock will take longer than expected.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company announced that improvement works were due to take place earlier this month which would affect services to Liverpool this weekend (November 1 and 2). In berthing trials for Manxman and Ben-my-Chree last year, it was discovered that, at lower tides, mooring lines clashed with a dolphin fender.
Fenders at a ferry terminal are protective buffer systems attached to the terminal’s structure that prevent damage to the terminal and the ship as it docks.
Some winter sailings were affected as a result. Since then, engineers have been looking at options to resolve the problem. The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) on the Isle of Man is employing contractors in Merseyside to carry out the work.
Services to Liverpool this weekend will instead dock at the coastal village of Heysham, close to Morecambe Bay in Lancashire. In an update issued today, the company said this change would continue into next weekend too.
A statement on the company’s website said: “As a result of the additional time required to complete the works at Liverpool Terminal by DOI’s contractors, sailings on 1, 2, 8 and 9 November will be to and from Heysham (please note the departure time on November 8 will be 07.30am from Douglas).
“Coaches will be provided to and from Liverpool (departing at 10.30am) arriving in Heysham before 12.30pm (depending on traffic).
“The coach will then wait and transport passengers on the Manxman arriving in Heysham to Liverpool.”
In the long term, it’s hoped the work will ensure fewer disruptions to the schedule and a more robust connection between the Isle of Man and Liverpool.
A previous statement on the improvement works from managing director Brian Thomson said: “We know this is frustrating and disappointing for passengers.
“However, by making limited changes to the schedule now, it is hoped the necessary works can be undertaken to allow us to offer a comprehensive schedule of weekend sailings to Liverpool throughout the rest of the Winter.”
“All affected passengers will be contacted by our Reservations Team. For any sailings changed to Heysham, a coach to Liverpool will be available for foot passengers. Should any passengers wish to cancel their sailings, full refunds will be made.”
The terminal opened in June 2024. Work began on the terminal at Princes Half Tide Dock in Liverpool city centre in 2019, with a planned completion date of summer 2021. Delays saw the Isle of Man Government-funded project’s completion pushed back and its overall costs rise to £70m.
The Isle of Man Government’s Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall MHK said at the time: “Bringing the new terminal and its associated infrastructure into full use has been hugely anticipated and will soon become part of our regular travelling experience.”
Minister Crookall added: “Having visited the site at various stages during its development, I know much of the heavy and complex work that’s been undertaken will go unseen, but that passengers will appreciate such comfortable surroundings within a modern facility”.
The new terminal has a cafe in the departure lounge, but it is only accessible to passengers who are checked in. Those arriving by foot can access the new facility by a dedicated bridge that connects Princes Dock with Central Dock. Drivers are advised to use Jesse Hartley Way.