Mali Rose on track to start familiarisation period
The Mali Rose is still on track to enter a three-month period of familiarisation in January.
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company's latest update on its freight vessel revealed that the ship has completed her annual survey and "significant progress" has been made.
Read the update in full below:
"With the new year almost upon us we are pleased to report that we are still planning to start the three-month operational familiarisation period of the Mali Rose in January 2019, after the project team and ship staff have continued to make significant progress.
The Mali Rose has completed her annual survey with no significant issues identified. The propulsion control system has now been installed and will undergo commission testing early in the new year. The new, modern system will improve the handling of the vessel.
During the last couple of weeks, members of the project team have been on the Islands discussing with stakeholders the sailing schedules; the feedback that has been received is now under review. Further meetings with other stakeholders will take place and sailing schedules will be published by the end of December.
Head of Marine Kevin Ayres said: "The initial trial period will start in January to commission the propulsion control system as well as other tests required by classification society and the MCA. The familiarisation period will then commence in late January following successful completion of the testing. The project team will continue to meet and consult with stakeholders during this familiarisation process to continue to receive feedback."