THE new inter-island ferry the Buccoo Reef had a problem with its pumps and thus had to turn back on its voyage to Trinidad and Tobago on January 21.
This according to Chairman of the National Infrastructure Development Company Herbert George at a meeting of the Parliament’s Joint Select Committee (State Enterprises) into NIDCO’s operations on Monday.
He said the pumps installed may not have been flushed properly and workmanship also appeared to be an issue.
He said the Buccoo Reef, was on its way to T&T and therefore was forced to turn back to Hobart, Tasmania after developing the problem on January 21.
He said one engine was overheating and the ship’s master decided to return to Hobart and troubleshooters found the problem was a leak on the cooling water pump.
George said all works were still under guarantee and the manufacturer of the main engine, Mann, agreed to fix the problem.
He said new pumps were ordered from Germany and took some time to arrive in Australia due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
