24th Mar 2016 09:51
LONDON (Alliance News) - Westminster Group PLC on Thursday said its flagship ferry, the Sierra Queen, has performed well in sea trials having completed various trial crossings and manoeuvres.
The vessel, based in Sierra Leone in West Africa, will be used to transport people between Freetown International Airport and the capital city of Freetown.
It suffered months of delays to the start of operations when tests showed repair work was needed on air conditioning and hull strengthening. Later, its prop shaft had to be sent to the UK for repairs. It was finally able to commence sea trials in late December.
Meanwhile, works on the Targrin ferry terminal in Sierra Leone have been completed, and the terminal is fully operational, Westminster Group said.
Works at the main Government Wharf terminal are yet to completed, but an alternative landing point adjacent to the terminal has been secured and cleared in order to provide a temporary landing stage, Westminster Group said.
In addition, new 50-seater coaches to transport passengers to and from the airport to the ferry terminal are ready for deployment.
Westminster Group anticipates operations and revenue from ticket sales to commence in April.
"The delays we have suffered in commencing this much needed and long-awaited service have been a frustration for our customers, shareholders and ourselves alike, but I am delighted that we are now, at last, approaching commencement of operations and I would like to commend the dedication and efforts of all our staff involved in dealing with and overcoming the numerous in-country challenges we have experienced, most of which have unfortunately been beyond our control," Chief Executive Peter Fowler said in a statement.
"Notwithstanding the above we remain confident that once the service is up and running it will be in high demand and prove to be a good long-term investment and great success," he added.
Westminster Group provides security services to governments, non-governmental organisations and blue-chip commercial organisations worldwide.
Shares in Westminster Group were trading up 3.3% at 13.30 pence on Thursday morning.
By Karolina Kaminska; [email protected] @KarolinaAllNews
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