Treasury Minister Alex Allinson has called the Ben my Chree a valuable part of the Steam Packet fleet.
He made the comments this week in the House of Keys when he faced questions over the vessel's use.
Dr Allinson revealed the company's backup ferry made six trips in April.
And he said although it was now more than a quarter of a century old, it was still a useful asset:
Are you prescribed new weight-loss drugs?
Who's getting weight-loss jabs on the Island?
Video catches Starlight at sunset!
New footage of one of the Island's most famous animals has been published online - showing her dancing in Port Erin.
Former met office man giving talk on Manx climate change
There's a chance to find out more about how climate change could affect the Island with a talk from a recently-retired meteorologist tonight.
Urgent Tynwald questions about Family Library closure
There'll be urgent questions in Tynwald about the future of the Family Library in Douglas next week.
Report released into £18m Manx-owned yacht disaster
Investigators have released an interim report into the sinking of a yacht owned by a Manx company which claimed seven lives.
UK immigration changes 'under review' says government
The government says it won't automatically mirror immigration changes announced by the UK this week.
Don't leave your keys in your car, say police
Police are warning people to make sure your car's locked - and you haven't left the keys inside it.
Warning after grass wildfire in Greeba
Fire crews are repeating advice about the dangers of barbecues, camp stoves, campfires and discarded cigarettes after a grass fire in Greeba yesterday.
