The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company have been notified of works to install a fender at the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal at Liverpool.
In order to accommodate the ongoing works at the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool, a number of sailings will now operate to/from Heysham.
The Department of Infrastructure, as owner of the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal facility, has requested the closure of the berth for the duration of the ongoing works to reinstall modified fenders.
This work will impact sailings to and from Liverpool on the weekends of 14th - 15th March and 21st - 22nd March. These will now operate to Heysham Port, with coach transfers to Liverpool Terminal laid on for any foot passengers requiring transfers to/from Liverpool.
The Company would like to apologise for the disruption whilst this work is being carried out and would like to reassure you that we are taking all steps necessary to minimise the effects of the changes.
The works are necessary to ensure compatibility with IOMSPC vessel Manannan ahead of its return to service at the end of March.
The full statement from the terminal's owners, Isle of Man Government Department of Infrastructure is pasted below:
Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool to close for two weekends for completion of works to dolphin fender
The Department of Infrastructure is advising passengers that the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool will be closed on the weekends of 14-15 March and 21-22 March to allow for the completion of works to a modified dolphin fender.
This work forms the next phase of essential upgrades on the mooring dolphin at the terminal, ensuring that the facilities are compatible with all vessels likely to call there.
When the Department announced that the fender would have to be removed for modification in October last year, it confirmed that further closures would be required when the timeline for the reinstallation of the modified fender was finalised. These upcoming weekend closures, which are weather-dependent, form part of that programme.
During berthing trials for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s Manxman and Ben-my-Chree, it was identified that, at lower tides, mooring lines were clashing with a dolphin fender. Some winter sailings were affected as a result. Engineers reviewed options to resolve the issue and determined that modification of the fender was necessary. This modified fender is being replaced on the affected weekends.
During the autumn, a mooring hook at the terminal will also be modified. Details of when that will take place and whether it has any impact on ferry schedules will be released when arrangements are finalised.
In the longer term, these upgrades will improve reliability and help prevent scheduling issues, supporting the strategic connection between the Isle of Man and Liverpool.
The Department apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks passengers for their patience while these essential works are undertaken.
Liverpool Mooring Works March 14th-22nd
The Department of Infrastructure is employing contractors to allow for the completion of works to a modified dolphin fender.
Unfortunately, this will mean that the berth at Liverpool Ferry Terminal is unavailable for the Manxman Liverpool sailings on 14th-15th March and 21st-22nd March. Therefore, those sailings will be rescheduled to Heysham and free coach transfers arranged for passengers booked on those sailings.
IOMSPC is working closely with DoI, the owner of the facility, to ensure the work is completed. IOMSPC is not responsible for the port or any of its fittings and equipment at this time. Further enquiries about any aspects of the work should be directed to DoI Harbours Division.
Both Manxman and Ben-my-Chree will be able to use the berth over a greater range of tidal conditions. Reinstalling the modified Dolphin Fender ensures compatibility with the whole of the current fleet including Manannan. In the longer term, these upgrades will improve reliability and help prevent scheduling issues, supporting the strategic connection between the Isle of Man and Liverpool. Please note, that the Department is looking to complete further works in the Autumn.
Passengers who elect to travel on their bookings will not be entitled to compensation. However, if passengers choose to not travel they can either transfer their sailing to another date (subject to difference in tariff) or cancel and receive a full refund in line with our conditions of carriage and terms and conditions. Please note that different terms and conditions apply to different ticket types. Please contact the Reservations Team for further information if necessary.
The Department of Infrastructure is planning to modify a mooring hook at the terminal this Autumn (2026). Details of any sailing disruptions will be released when arrangements are finalised and communicated to IOMSPC.
