Options thoroughly transparent, says CEO
The Steam Packet says its latest bid for the future of sea services is 'transparent', and in the best interests of the Manx public.
An early offer for the continued tender of its Linkspan user agreement, which expires in 2026, was presented to Tynwald members on Tuesday.
Included in the £170 million offer are two brand-new vessels, new passenger discounts and safeguards for local employment - as well as a new 50/50 revenue sharing deal with government.
But uncertainty remains about the future of Liverpool and Heysham ports.
The offer comes a week after Chris Robertshaw MHK quizzed Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne on what he called a 'secret deal' with the company.
Steam Packet Chief Executive Mark Woodward said that's far from the truth:
Campaigners against offshore windfarm proposals hit out at 'undemocratic' process
Visitors told to prepare for new ETA rules
Crews respond to shed fire in Greeba
Is 'inter-generational home sharing' the solution to the loneliness epidemic and housing crisis?
'Writing under pressure is a skill I certainly have now', says Manx Bard