Douglas port is struggling to cope with increased freight volumes since the arrival of the Manxman.
Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall told Tynwald that while the new boat takes “more haulage, more wagons and stuff than we had before,” the port lacks space to handle the extra traffic.
“We’ve got more space on the boat, but not on the circus beach, to deal with this,” Mr Crookall said.
The minister described Douglas as “a physically constrained port,” with particular pressure from trailers arriving on Friday and Saturday sailings and remaining until Monday.
Asked about solutions, Mr Crookall said officials had looked at ideas, including using the Parade Street car park area, but confirmed one plan for “14 wagons” had already failed.
“We’re on the case,” he added.
The department is now considering charging hauliers who leave vehicles on port land in breach of their operating licences.