The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is considering moving the majority of its operations from Heysham, Lancashire, to Liverpool.

The company runs passenger and freight sailings to Douglas from Heysham, fast craft summer services from Liverpool and weekend sailings from Birkenhead.

Chief executive Mark Woodward said passenger research showed that "Liverpool is a clear choice".

The company has sailed from the city since 1832.

In the mid-1980s the majority of the firm's sailings were moved to Heysham.

Mr Woodward said:

"The Steam Packet has had a long and historic link with Liverpool.

"From our freight customers' point of view Liverpool is preferred to Heysham because of its transport links and many of them have bases or warehouses in the Liverpool area."

From Manx Radio

t's reported Liverpool Council is in talks with the Steam Packet about sharing its landing stage facilities at Pier Head.

The discussions come as the local authority moves forward with plans to welcome cruise liners into the Mersey.

Reporting on the news the Liverpool Echo says the vessels will be based there in three months.

The paper says it's all come as a bit of a shock, as there had been a stalemate between the council and the UK government over the amount of money needed to end the turnaround ban.

The council has agreed to repay whatever grant cash is required to lift the ban on "turnarounds", which are voyages starting and ending at Liverpool cruise terminal.

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