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:
Isle of Man is Peter Andre's Flava of the week!
Peter Andre has lavished praise on the Isle of Man after visiting for the Fury wedding at the weekend.
Evri preparing to pull out of Isle of Man?
A UK website claims courier firm Evri is preparing to pull out of the Isle of Man.
Get involved in Island's first BJ Week!
The Isle of Man is taking part in Better Journeys Week this week.
Can you help find stolen car?
Police are renewing appeals for help finding a stolen car.
Five green lanes to close for TT
Five Island green lanes will be shut for the TT festival this year.
Burst water main means traffic lights on TT course in Kirk Michael
There'll be temporary traffic lights on the TT course tomorrow as workers tackle a water main problem.
Organisers call off Onchan pride event expected to attract 1,500 visitors
A huge pride event in Onchan won't go ahead this year.
DEFA deletes "downright offensive" two-headed chicken logo
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says it's deleted a logo described in a Freedom of Information request as "dreadful", "downright offensive" and "simply slapdash".
