REGULAR sailings between Fleetwood and the Isle of Man are still not considered financially viable, says the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
The question of frequent sailings arose because two one-off trips this month between Fleetwood and the island sold out in double quick time.
It has led to calls for more regular links between the town and the Manx isle, a return to the busy schedule which ran in the past but ended in 1997 for economic reasons.
The first of this month's trips on the fast catamaran Snaefell, on July 2, saw a crowd of 480 queueing to get aboard .
Tickets for the second voyage, on July 30, quickly sold out.
Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward, said: "We are delighted that both Fleetwood-Isle of Man day trips this month quickly sold out.
"However, the bottom line is that these sailings are not economically viable on a regular scheduled basis, particularly when you consider rising marine fuel costs."
Mr Woodward added that facilities at Fleetwood continued to be a problem and the lack of deep water in the port also posed a risk of damage to the vessel's waterjets.
He said the company's summer day-trip schedule was drawn up on a year-on-year basis so they would not be making any decisions about next summer until early in 2009.
Among those who enjoyed the first trip this month was Jean Burnell, of Conway Avenue, Cleveleys.
She particularly enjoyed the fact that someone was honest enough to return her watch which she lost aboard the ferry.
She said: "I was devastated when I sat down and realised my watch was missing. It was a retirement present from work.
"I thought I would never see it again so imagine my delight when the ship's purser shook my hand and the watch was in his palm!
"I was unable to find out who the honest person was but I hope they read about this in the Weekly News!"
Mrs Burnell added: "On a wider note the day trip was great and I hope more than just two trips will be arranged next year."