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Manufacturer sorry for slow bow thruster repair

Wed, 07 Dec 2011

The manufacturer responsible for repairing the Ben-my-Chree's broken bow thruster says its sorry that fixing the part has taken so long.

Wartsila has missed two deadlines whilst working on the bow thruster, resulting in extra costs for the Steam Packet Company.

It also means the Ben-my-Chree has had a manoeuvrability problem since May, making docking difficult in harsh weather conditions, and leading to more sailings having to be cancelled.

The Steam Packet said it had been let down by Wartsila after the company indicated the bow thruster wouldn't be ready until next year.

However, it now says it will be delivering the item next Wednesday.

As a result, the Ben will go into dry dock next Friday for the part to be re-fitted.

The ferry operator is in the process of chartering a freight vessel to provide cover, and is preparing the Manannan to carry out passenger sailings.

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