The government’s Liverpool Ferry Terminal has been hailed as a success story on the first anniversary of a landmark cooperation agreement.
The taxpayer-funded scheme, which opened in 2024, has faced fierce criticism over its ballooning costs.
However, leaders from both sides of the Irish Sea insisted the investment is already delivering tangible returns as they marked 12 months since the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between the Isle of Man, Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Speaking at an anniversary event, Deputy Chief Minister Jane Poole-Wilson said: “The Irish Sea separates us geographically, but it has always connected us economically, culturally and personally.
“This agreement has given us a clear framework to strengthen those connections further and to turn shared ambition into practical action.”
The government argues that passenger figures demonstrate the impact of that up to £100n investment, with the Steam Packet carrying 312,000 passengers and 76,000 vehicles on the Liverpool route in 2025.
Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “The Isle of Man is one of our nearest neighbours, with strong links dating back generations and the 2025 MoU is testament to ensuring this enduring relationship thrives.”
Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, added: “Liverpool City Region businesses have a superb opportunity to build connections and maximise opportunities in – and with – the Isle of Man.”