Infrastructure Minister says alternative Steam Packet options not possible

The Infrastructure Minister insists many options over the future of the Steam Packet Company wouldn't have been possible.

Ray Harmer confirmed in this week's sitting of the House of Keys that a report commissioned by the Government identified a number of ideas relating to the future operation of the Island's ferry services.

However, he admits many of these wouldn't have been possible without the agreement of the company, control of the company or the expiry of the current User Agreement, which runs until 2026.

Options included operating the company with Government owned vessels, regulation through legislation and operation as a franchise.

The Government recently completed the £124m purchase of the Steam Packet.