Premier Ewart Brown has scotched reports from Junior Transport Minister Marc Bean that Government might have to replace some fast ferries.

Speaking earlier this month after ferry workers went on strike over unspecified problems with the fleet, Sen. Bean told The Royal Gazette: "It's just maintenance issues, which is a result of boats coming to the end of their life.

"We're going to look at replacing the initial fast ferries and add to the fleet one or two fast ferries. We need to be in a position to maintain the continuity of our schedule."

Sen. Bean said the two original fast ferries, Resolute and Serenity purchased for $2.5 million each in 2002 were no longer providing the public with "quality service" because they were ageing due to heavy usage.

In order to ensure quality, safety and reliability of the fleet, he said Government would begin the process of replacing those two ferries.

However, when asked about reports that the ferries are ageing, ship manufacturers Gladding-Hearn told this newspaper they should have a lifespan of 20 years or more if properly maintained.

Shadow Tourism Minister Michael Dunkley later commented: "It is pathetic that the Premier, who has been Transport Minister since 1998, has run away from the ferry controversy and, instead, shoved Junior Minister Bean into the spotlight to take the heat."

Dr. Brown was quizzed over the topic during a media forum on Monday night. Asked by the Bermuda Sun whether the fleet needed replacing,

Dr. Brown replied: "I think Senator Bean had his numbers mixed up, I think he misspoke."

Pressed on whether the Junior Minister had made an incorrect statement, he said: "Yes. We want additional ferries but we're not at the replacement stage yet."

Asked yesterday if he stood by his earlier remarks, and if he had any response to the Premier's remark that he misspoke, Sen. Bean replied: "I have no comment."

Dr. Brown was also questioned on Monday by VSB news, who suggested the ferry builders offered a maintenance course for Marine and Ports staff in 2002, but were turned down by the union.

Dr. Brown replied: "I don't know that that happened.

"First of all the union can't turn down something for the Government. I don't know the details on that.

"I know that the firm ... did offer to help us with maintenance and training but I do not know anything about an offer being turned down."

When Mr. Darby stated he had the information from official documents, and pointed out that Dr. Brown was Transport Minister at the time, he responded: "I'm not saying it isn't true but I did not know."