Crossword Genius

Evaluate a couple of vessels rounding end of cape (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

assess

'evaluate' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'a couple of vessels rounding end of cape' is the wordplay.
'couple of vessels' becomes 'SS SS' (SS can mean a steamship).
'rounding' is an insertion indicator (some letters go round others).
'end of' suggests the final letters.
The last letter of 'cape' is 'e'.
'ssss' placed around 'e' is 'ssess'.
'a'+'ssess'='ASSESS'

(Other definitions for assess that I've seen before include "Estimate the worth or quality of" , "Evaluate, estimate" , "Appraise, estimate value" , "price" , "Make estimate or appraisal of" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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