The next phase in builing a new ’Manx’ ferry terminal in Liverpool is about to begin.

The Dock Road closed yesterday for work to begin.

During this time, the underground utilities and drainage works for the new road to link to the Princes Half Tide Dock will be installed.

The Manx taxpayer is to spend £30m on the facility.

The Steam Packet will be in the news next week for a different reason.

The document setting out the relationship between the Treasury and the Steam Packet will be laid before Tynwald next week.

It confirms that the company will be run at arm’s length from government.

The document states that the shareholder agreement, subject to Tynwald approval, will start on January 1, 2019.

Outlined is the company’s obligations including the directors convening extraordinary general meetings on a twice-yearly basis.

The Treasury is entitled to invite advisers and political members of the Treasury and other third party members as observers.

The company will have ’at least five’ people as directors and a ’minimum of three nonexecutive directors one of whom shall be the chairman’.

However, no member of Tynwald will be permitted to be a director.

Among other matters, the Steam Packet will have to seek Treasury approval if it plans to enter into any agreement, contract or transaction worth more than £2.5m or to enter into a ship’s mortgage.