Strategic Sea Services

The Department considers robust sea links with our neighbours to be absolutely fundamental to the economic and social wellbeing of the Isle of Man.

A key element of the Isle of Man’s sea services is the Linkspan User Agreement, which has played an important role in helping to secure modern ships, market growth, competitive fares and improved services.

The commercial contract gives the ferry operator preferential use of the King Edward Pier linkspan in exchange for a guaranteed minimum level of service.

It was first approved by Tynwald in 1995 to provide long-term stability and to enable Government to control aspects of fares and schedules.

The current User Agreement has been extended until 2026, although the Department is in the process of identifying and negotiating the terms of a new agreement with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Limited, which will replace the current User Agreement.   

Further information is available via the downloadable documents on this page.