The recommendations of a Select Committee were approved by Tynwald yesterday.

Five politicians were given the task of investigating the company’s pricing structure and standard of service offered to customers.

When looking at the surcharge, it was noted the rate is based on the price of Gas Oil, but it was discovered this may not be used by all of the company’s vessels.

Transport Minister David Anderson's proposal that the cancellation of the surcharge be postponed was voted out by the Legislative Council.

A new surcharge agreement must now be hammered out between the Steam Packet and the DOT.

Despite it being acknowledged the company is operating within the terms of the User Agreement, it came in for heavy criticism during a lengthy debate yesterday.

The main bone of contention was the cost of shipping freight.

The committee’s report said it felt these charges could be reduced by a third and the Steam Packet would still make a healthy profit.

Several other recommendations were approved by Tynwald. 

These include the Steam Packet involving the Office of Fair Trading when considering fare increases.

And the Department of Transport establishing a special system for members of the public to register travel complaints.