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: