Mali Rose undergoing new sea trials
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s new freight ship, the Mali Rose, has begun the next round of sea trials.
The Mali Rose underwent a major refit before carrying out her initial sea trials last year, which have taken longer than expected to complete.
As a result, the Group held back on utilising the vessel for freight services until it could be sure she was "appropriately configured" for the specific requirements of the route to the Isles of Scilly.
Following preparations in Penzance in recent weeks, the vessel carried out a sea trial in the Mounts Bay area on Wednesday April 11th, and next week, it is envisaged she will sail to the Isles of Scilly on a trial voyage, as well as carrying out berthing, cargo and operational trials off the coast of Cornwall.
Isles of Scilly Steamship Group chairman Andrew May conceded last November that the Mali Rose "hasn't worked out exactly as planned" but insisted that she still has the potential to be a "great ship".