A Cumbrian MP is still seeking ways to establish a ferry link between Whitehaven and the Isle of Man.

Two years ago, Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister sprang into action after discovering that bringing back a ferry to and from the Isle of Man was one of the most popular suggestions from residents in Whitehaven.

He even discussed the matter with then Chief Minister Alf Cannan at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool.

While Visit Isle of Man reacted favourably, Steam Packet managing director Brian Thomson said it was unlikely the ferry company would operate from the town as the ‘infrastructure is not there’.

But Mr MacAlister has not given up on the idea and has now mooted a scaled-down alternative to a large passenger ferry.

He recently said: ‘I’m working with local partners to explore the possibility of a new fast passenger boat service between Whitehaven and the Isle of Man.

‘A local operator with a 12-seat vessel has expressed an interest in running the route, potentially offering direct sailings from Whitehaven Harbour for day trips, short breaks and major events on the Isle of Man.’

He has put the idea to his constituents and asked what they believe would be a reasonable price.

Back in 2024, Visit Isle of Man chief executive Deborah Heather said any revival of the route would depend on a private operator.

She said: ‘This can only happen if we can find someone interested in operating the route. We have an ambition for 500,000 visitors and we need to get them from somewhere so we would back any such move.

‘But this would be a commercial opportunity and, while we would not be in a position to run such a ferry service, we would be happy to get involved and help promote it.’

One potential strength of a Whitehaven route is its proximity to the Lake District and Scotland.

Ms Heather said: ‘The Lake district gets 18.3m visitors a year and it would be good for us to tap into that.’

Mr MacAlister believes there is a real appetite to bring back a ferry service from Whitehaven or Workington to the island.

He previously said: ‘We [the chief minister and him] discussed working together to bring back a passenger ferry between West Cumbria and the Isle of Man. It was one of the most popular suggestions in the Whitehaven town centre survey I conducted and so I’ll do what I can to deliver it!’

Ms Heather admitted at the time that she was surprised a ferry to the Isle of Man was such a hot topic in Whitehaven.

She said: ‘It did come as a surprise but it is really interesting. It seems people remember the days they could visit the island regularly and people seem to have a lot of fond memories.’

But the chances of the Steam Packet operating such a route are slim, according to Mr Thomson.

‘I do not think that route would be viable for us,’ he said. ‘The infrastructure is not there.

‘I couldn’t rule it out completely and perhaps there is an abundance of tourists wanting to come here from Cumbria. But, at the moment, Heysham works really well for us.’