Ferry operator, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company believed it had been on the brink of agreement with the trade union Nautilus International, over new conditions for its crew, including on board the flagship Manxman introduced in August.

Manxman operates the year-round Douglas-Heysham route, providing an essential passenger and freight service to and from England.

The ferry operator owned by the Isle of Man Government, however claims the union had backed away from the negotiations, ahead of announcing it's to ballot its members over possible industrial action.

The Steam Packet wants its seafarers’ members to live aboard its vessels from 1 January, something officers have rejected.

As Manx Radio  yesterday reported, the Managing Director, Brian Thomson, felt that an end to the dispute had been in sight. Click also here to listen for an audio clip of the M.D.

Afloat adds on the 21 November, The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, issued a statement on its website publishing details of the offer made to the union, Nautilus, to provide further clarity to the public about negotiations regarding 'live-aboard' becoming the norm throughout the company’s fleet.

The statement can be read here.