Government: ferries and tugs not for sale
Four government vessels listed on a marine brokers website are not for sale, the Government said.
It was reported last week that two tugboats and two ferries were advertised online for a combined price of $1.9 million.
A tourism and transport ministry spokesman said later: “The Ministry of Tourism and Transport and Department of Marine and Ports Services is aware of news reports concerning website information that identifies two tugboats and two catamaran-style ferries for sale that are owned by the Bermuda Government.
“This information is incorrect as the boats are not for sale, and as such, the information should not have been visible to the public. The website administrators have been contacted and instructed to remove the content.”
He added: “As part of obtaining a value for its assets, the Government has in the past consulted brokers for assistance. It was not intended for the vessels to be put on the market.
“As the public are aware, these continue to be working vessels. The ministry will provide updates on these matters as they are available.”
The vessels appeared on the SeaBoats website, where sister tugs Powerful and Faithful were listed for $375,000 each.
Two fast ferries, the Venturilla and another which was thought to be the Tempest, were listed for $1.15 million.
The two entries for the tugboats no longer appeared to be on the SeaBoats website, although an entry for two catamaran ferries remained visible.
The ministry spokesman said: “The public will be aware that the Bermuda Government adheres to certain processes and procedures for the sale of government assets. Should the time come when the Government decides to sell the boats, these processes and procedures will be followed.”