An MHK is calling for the Steam Packet Company to be placed into public ownership.
Michael member David Cannan is tabling a motion for this month's Tynwald which will ask for a committee to look into the matter.
Mr Cannan says there needs to be confidence the Isle of Man has a reliable passenger and freight ferry service.
The Steam Packet has been in the spotlight since Ramsey-based Mezeron set up a rival, container freight service, between Douglas and Liverpool.
Unions representing the Packet's 300 Isle of Man-based staff have lobbied members of Tynwald, pointing out the threat the increased commercial pressure poses to jobs and passenger ferry services.
There have been calls for the government to get involved, but last week Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne said commercial decisions by the Steam Packet were a matter for the company, even in the face of possible service cuts.
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