4th May 2016 08:42
LONDON (Alliance News) - Westminster Group PLC on Wednesday said it is still waiting to commence repairs on its Sierra Queen ferry as the slip is yet to be vacated by the vessel currently occupying it.
Last month, the Sierra Queen sustained damage from an uncharted submerged obstacle while transiting between terminals in Sierra Leone. Westminster Group said at the time that repairs were unable to be carried out while the vessel was still in the water, but that the slip would be vacated within 7 to 10 days, following which repairs could be commenced.
Later in April, Westminster Group said the slip was still occupied by the other vessel but that repairs on that vessel would be completed that week, providing the Sierra Queen with access to begin its own repairs.
However, on Wednesday, Westminster Group released a further update saying it is still waiting for the slip to be vacated. In the meantime, the company has deployed specialist technicians to carry out checks and assessments while the vessel is still in the water.
Major items such as engines and gearboxes have been checked and are fully operational, Westminster Group said, while minor electrical problems from water ingress have been found and are being corrected along with the need to replace two propeller blades.
"From inspections by divers no serious damage can be seen below the waterline; however once the slip is available and the vessel removed from the water the minor hull damage can be repaired, the two damaged propeller blades replaced, and a full inspection below the waterline undertaken," Westminster Group said.
The company added that its second vessel, the Sierra Princess, is due to leave for Sierra Leone this week, arriving in the country towards the end of the month. Westminster didn't say from where the vessel was departing. It will commence operations as soon as sea trials and in-country formalities have been completed, Westminster Group said.
The Sierra Princess will supplement the Sierra Queen by providing new routes and services from terminals to different landing stages and in addition open up a "much needed" water taxi service around the coastline. The Sierra Queen provides transport between Freetown International Airport and Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone.
"A second vessel not only enhances the revenue potential of the operation but will also provide a backup service should either vessel be out of service for maintenance or repair," Westminster Group said.
Westminster Group provides security services to governments, non-governmental organisations and blue-chip commercial organisations worldwide.
Shares in the company were trading down 5.8% at 10.25 pence on Wednesday morning.
By Karolina Kaminska; [email protected] @KarolinaAllNews
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