Packet hopes to press ahead 'without diversions'

The Steam Packet says it welcomes the news the Office of Fair Trading has dropped an investigation into the company's freight charges.

The OFT confirmed the decision yesterday (Friday), saying it wouldn't produce a report on the findings it did make, because significant events, such as the Packet's so-called 'freight war' with Mezeron and the recent change in ownership, came after the period the investigation covered.

A written statement from Packet chief executive Mark Woodward says: 'In recent years, the Steam Packet Company has experienced a number of protracted investigations into its affairs.

'These have absorbed considerable amounts of the company's resources and diverted attention from its principal objectives of providing a reliable and cost-effective service to Manx residents and visitors.

'The company hopes that it can now concentrate its efforts on that task without further diversions.'