Blame Should Lie With Steam Packet Over Freight Competition Says MHK

MHK Bill Malarkey has been speaking to 3FM about the current problems within the Steam Packet since the emergence of freight competition from Mezeron.

The Douglas South MHK says he thinks the blame should not lie with the Government or Mezeron, but instead Steam Packet themselves.

It was established last week that they stand to lose a significant amount of their freight custom to Mezeron, at a major knock to their finances.

The revenue brought in by freight custom allowed the Steam Packet to keep prices competitive and passenger services to a high standard, there is now a fear that significant cut backs may need to happen across all aspects of the company.

The Government have been accused of not upholding their end of their user agreement and protecting the Steam Packet from competition on the Island.

Mr Malarkey thinks a certain amount of blame should be shouldered by the previous Government, who passed the User Agreement, tying the Isle of Man to the Steam Packet until 2026.

The Steam Packet have said the want to reassure passengers, freight customers and Island residents that they will be doing their utmost to prevent any reduction in the quality and quantity of their services.

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