The Isle of Man Steam Packet’s fast-ferry Manannan made its first berthing trials on Merseyside’s new £70 million ferry terminal at Liverpool, from where they will connect Douglas.

The 1998 built Manannan, which operates seasonal services, undertook the exercise yesterday as part of the commissioning trial for the Irish Sea’s newest terminal. The trials are to enable major infrastructure marine works to be tested, with the 96m catamaran craft coming alongside the quay and link span.

Berthing trials are necessary as they are a mandatory safety procedure that are required during a project of this type as they enable each of the Steam Packet’s captains to become accustomed to the new berth at all tide levels.

The flagship of the company, Manxman, introduced last August, is to undertake berthing trials too, but the 133m ferry will take place later this year, prior to the start of the winter weekend sailing schedule.

As previously reported, Manxman had carried out 'virtual' berthing at the terminal.

More from Manx Radio on this development for the operator.