29 July 2015

Westminster Group Plc:

Ferry Project Update

Westminster Group Plc ('Westminster' or the 'Group'), the AIM listed supplier of managed services and technology based security solutions to governments and government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGO's) and blue chip commercial organisations worldwide, is pleased to provide an update on its new Ferry Project and airport transfer service in West Africa.

Following a very successful grand launch of the flagship vessel, Sierra Queen, in June 2015 the vessel underwent various tests and trials and operations were forecast to commence during July. As a result of the tests and trials the Company identified the need to carry out additional works to better suit the local climate and conditions, which included enhanced air conditioning, hull strengthening and measures to prevent floating debris entering inlet valves. The vessel has been dry docked and the works are already underway, however during the dry dock inspection it has been noted that one of the prop shafts is out of line and may need repair which may take further time to correct. Accordingly operations are now expected to commence at some time during August 2015 beginning with VIP excursions.

Once operations are due to commence routes and crossing times will be displayed and tickets for the various ferry services may be booked online via the company's website www.sovereign-ferries.com. Tickets will also be available through mobile devices, travel agents, hotels, airlines or at the terminal buildings themselves.

Commenting on the launch operations Peter Fowler, Chief Executive of Westminster Group, said:

"Whilst we are anxious to start operations this is a large scale, long term project and safety and reliability are our primary concerns and that is why we have been conducting extensive trials and undertaking appropriate works before formal commencement of services. These trials have identified issues which we believe should be carried out before operations commence.

"During the past few months we have been extremely busy developing the operational infrastructure for this project. We have been undertaking major improvements to the various ferry terminals both in Lungi and Freetown and we are continuing to expand and develop the terminals to cater for various size vessels. We are working with the government to create safe passageways and identify potential shipping hazards, and where necessary their removal, in order to ensure a professional and safe passage. We are also developing additional terminals both sides of the river including a strategic new terminal in Aberdeen close to the main hotel district. We have established a professional bus transfer service with new air-conditioned coaches running a professional shuttle service between the airport and ferry terminals with comfortable seated waiting areas at each location. Lastly and not least we have been actively recruiting and training of local staff including hospitality, admin and support staff as well as able seamen and engineers to help run the vessels under experienced European management.

"Once operations start we expect the service to be in high demand particularly as airlines such as Air France and Kenya Airways have now resumed services and we are seeing increasing passenger numbers passing through the airport, July being the busiest month since August last year before airlines began cancelling services due to Ebola."

For further information please contact:

Notes:

Westminster Group plc is a leader in the supply of system solutions and products to the security, defence, fire protection and safety markets worldwide.

Westminster's principal activity is the design, supply and ongoing support of advanced technology security solutions, encompassing a wide range of surveillance, detection, tracking and interception technologies and the provision of long term managed services contracts such as the management and running of complete security services and solutions in airports, ports and other such facilities together with the provision of ferry services, manpower, consultancy and training services. The majority of its customer base, by value, comprises governments and government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGO's) and blue chip commercial organisations.  For further information please visit www.wsg-corporate.com