Gov Confident of Maintaining Supplies

There is confidence within CoMin that supplies of food, fuel and essential medications to the island are not currently at risk.

This follows the Treasury Minister and Chief Minister meeting Steam Packet bosses to discuss disruption due to staffing issues and industrial disputes.

As a result of an officer being on unexpected leave and members of the Nautilus union taking action short of striking, the MV Arrow is undertaking nighttime freight runs while the Manxman takes passengers and some freight during the day.

Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson has said: ‘The Council of Ministers met this morning and discussed the impact and recent meetings regarding the disruption to services of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

‘Following this meeting there is confidence that supplies of food, fuel and essential medications to the Island are not currently at risk, and that this is being closely monitored by the Isle of Man Governments Emergency Planning Strategic Group – with the Steam Packet, critical infrastructure partners and local retailers.

We expect to receive regular updates from the Steam Packet during the ongoing industrial action, and following discussions yesterday are reassured that they will be examining all avenues available to them in order to deliver a full and resilient transport service for Island residents and businesses.’