Due to Belfast Marathon on 04/05/25, please allow extra time to reach the port. Roads may be busier than usual and diversions in place. You can find more details here:
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPC) is set to introduce cashless payments at its ports as part of a joint initiative with the Department of Home Affairs to enhance security, efficiency, and convenience and improve the overall customer experience while continuing to accept cash for purchases onboard its vessels.
From March 27, 2025, cash transactions at our ports in Douglas, Heysham, Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin will cease. Passengers will be able to make payments using debit or credit cards, mobile payment methods, and contactless transactions. Currently, cash transactions account for just 1% of total ticket sales, making this a practical and progressive step towards a more efficient and secure payment process.
“This move reflects the way our customers now prefer to pay and aligns with wider industry trends,” said Brian Thomson, Managing Director of IOMSPC. “By going cashless at ports, we can speed up transaction times, enhance security, and provide a more seamless booking experience while still offering a cash option onboard for those who need it.”
In addition to improving convenience and efficiency, the shift to cashless payments at ports also supports broader efforts to enhance safety and security, helping to deter illicit activity by reducing the use of cash transactions for travel.
The Department of Home Affairs said ‘the Isle of Man Constabulary have been aware for some time that cash payments for tickets are often exploited by criminal gangs looking to traffic drugs and cash between the Island and the UK. We are really pleased to be able to work together with the Steam Packet Company to keep our Island safe.’
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company remains committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency, and this initiative marks another step towards modernising its services.
Edited 20/03/2025:
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company provided the following comment to BBC Isle of Man following a query regarding potential users who do not have access to banking services: 'There is no intention to penalise users who have no access to banking. We take our responsibilities as the Island’s lifeline very seriously and we seek to make our services accessible and affordable. We’d ask that any users in this position contact us at least 7 days before their travel time so alternative payment methods may be discussed.’
