Westminster Group's (LON:WSG) ferry operations in Sierra Leone are now expected to get started next month (August) after some additional modifications were identified to accommodate local conditions.
Last month saw the successful grand launch of the 'Sierra Queen' and first voyages were earmarked to begin this month, but various tests ahead of operations identified the need for further work. This included enhanced air conditioning, and hull strengthening.
It was also been noted that one of the prop shafts is out of line and may need repair which may take further time to correct.
Operations are now expected to begin during August this year, beginning with VIP excursions, the security group said today. There has been considerable local interest from those in the leisure and hospitality industry as well as those flying into and servicing the airport.
Westminster chief executive Peter Fowler told investors: "Whilst we are anxious to start operations this is a large scale, long term project and safety and reliability are our primary concerns and that is why we have been conducting extensive trials and undertaking appropriate works before formal commencement of services."
Meanwhile, he outlined the extensive additional work also carried out for the project in recent months, including improvements to the various ferry terminals both in Lungi and Freetown.
"We are also developing additional terminals both sides of the river including a strategic new terminal in Aberdeen close to the main hotel district.
"We have established a professional bus transfer service with new air-conditioned coaches running a professional shuttle service between the airport and ferry terminals with comfortable seated waiting areas at each location.
"Lastly and not least we have been actively recruiting and training of local staff including hospitality, admin and support staff as well as able seamen and engineers to help run the vessels under experienced European management.
"Once operations start we expect the service to be in high demand particularly as airlines such as Air France and Kenya Airways have now resumed services and we are seeing increasing passenger numbers passing through the airport, July being the busiest month since August last year before airlines began cancelling services due to Ebola."