Steam Packet Chairman addresses 'impasse' with Nautilus, in letter to Tynwald

The Steam Packet Chairman has written to Tynwald to explain the impasse with the union Nautilus over workers adapting to a 'living on board' crew model.

Lars Ugland said 'living on board' is an industry norm across the world, and is geared toward reducing cancellations, and providing more options when crossing in inclement weather.

It would bring an increased flexibility to their service, which Mr Ugland argues would enable the Manxman to operate day trip sailings to Liverpool, not currently possible due to hours of rest restrictions.

The discussions have been ongoing with Nautilus for over two years now.

Steam Packet have recently commenced a thirty day consultation period with the Nautilus members, by which time they must make a final decision on whether they accept their terms.

Referencing claims that they were 'doing a P&O' the chairman said nothing could be further from the truth, with just one change proposed, two years of negotiations and a number of concessions made.

He concluded the letter saying they still believe the decision to move to living on board was made entirely to reduce cancellations, improve resilience and maximise reliability for the nations lifeline service.