Isle of Man ferry terminal (in Douglas) is to be finished by the autumn of 2023.
According to Infrastructure Minister Chris Thomas, while the terminal building was estimated to be completed in ‘late May/early June’, the marine works would not be finished until ‘autumn 2023’.
Bad weather disrupted marine works over the winter. However, as the weather has improved, work sped up.
Mr. Thomas added that 70% of the scour protection had been installed. He said that final completion would be driven by the marine works and therefore he did not wish to provide a specific date at that stage but would like to confirm the previously estimated date of completion in the autumn of 2023.
The department continued to be in dialogue with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, in order to ensure future operation dates were 'coordinated and planned.’
Mr. Thomas remained optimistic that the current planned completion date would happen despite previous challenges.
The minister did not give an overall cost projection for the ferry terminal or an indication of how much had been spent. He advised the project had previously suffered from inflation/fuel cost volatility, which was ‘not anticipated when additional funds were sought in December 2021’.
Installation of furniture commenced with a program for the installation of baggage/security equipment underway.
The dock gate modifications are also to be completed soon.
Discussions are ongoing as to how the building is to be used, with Visit Isle of Man has been across to prepare layouts for when visitors can start using it.
Currently, the internal works are nearing completion as works are being done to install carpet/signage.
Construction for the terminal started in November 2019 with enabling works, before the main activity commenced in January 2020. The department had to navigate the COVID crisis and it resulted in the program being extended and additional project costs on the building contract.
By a separate project (also aiming to serve the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company), a new Isle of Man Ferry Terminal was also built in Liverpool England.