The Department of Home Affairs stated that cash payments had been exploited by gangs trafficking drugs and money between the Isle of Man and the UK. These measures are set to be implemented in Douglas, Heysham, Liverpool, Belfast, and Dublin.

Brian Thomson, Managing Director of Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, described that the decision reflected “the way our customers now prefer to pay and aligns with wider industry trends”.

He also added that cashless payments would “speed up transactions, enhance safety, and provide a more seamless booking experience”. The company noted only 1 percent of tickets sales were made with cash annually, and the move was a “practical and progressive step”.

Passengers without access to banking will not be penalised and are encouraged to contact the Steam Pocket at least seven days travel to arrange alternative payments methods.