Part of the Manx-owned Peel Group says Heysham's port is silting up and needs dredging.

Peel Ports is looking for contractors to carry out the operation, which would see 36,000 cubic metres of silt taken from the port's North Quay, and dumped at sea

The company says surveys show levels of silt next to the quay are building up to a point where they compromise vessel access and berth availability.

Companies have until January 22 to send in expressions of interest.

Heysham is the main port used by the Steam Packet's passenger and freight vessel the Ben-my-Chree.

(Picture: Aerial view of Heysham port, from portofheysham.com).