Bluenose II steering problems won't delay 2016 sailing season
Consultant's report says repair work can be completed before sailing season, says transportation minister
The Bluenose II's sailing season will not be delayed this year, despite problems with the vessel's steering system, says Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan.
Last December, the province ordered a review of everything related to the steering mechanism, which became stiff toward the end of August.
MacLellan says the consultant's report should be ready to release in a week or so. A draft of the report has been submitted and provincial officials have reviewed it.
"It seems like we're in a good place," said MacLellan, noting the report says any repair work to be done to the steering system can be completed before the vessel sails this year.
Its sailing season is set to begin at the start of June.
The engineering review is being completed by Rhode Island-based Langan Design Partners and is expected to cost at least $30,000.
Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador has been hit by troubles during a multi-year, multimillion dollar refit.
In 2009, when the project was announced, the project's budget was set at $14.4 million. As of September 2015, it had grown to more than $20 million.