Bit of gamesmanship going on Capt. The SP user agreement (which gives them exclusive rights to the linkspans at Douglas) is coming up for renegotiation. They're trying to pressurize the Government into making a decision.

The Government on the other hand are also playing the game. They recently advertised for expressions of interest from any ferry operators wishing to enter into an arrangement and reportedly had 7 responses.

This is just sabre rattling from the SP. Other companies don't need to do it as they all have other business. Without the IOM, the SP has nothing. IMHO they shouldn't be sabre rattling but instead working with the Government to provide the year round service the Island needs and make a FAIR profit at peak periods. That way everyone wins. Inevitably, this is utopia and we'll never see it.