Berthing trials for the Manannan are expected to take place at the new Ferry Terminal in Liverpool early next year.
That's according to the government, following the linkspan being successfully installed at the site.
The operation took three days to complete, and involved a specialist crane ship.
The Manannan should be set to carry the terminal's first passengers at the end of March 2024.
Manxman will undertake berthing trials in Liverpool later next year.
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