Singapore-headquartered shipbuilder and aluminium specialist Strategic Marine has delivered a pair of custom-built 40m x 9.7m low-emission catamaran ferries to the Government of Bermuda, reportedly ahead of schedule and within budget.
The ferries, christened Warbaby Fox and Cecil Smith, will support the island nation’s transport and cruise tourism network while achieving 25% lower CO2 emissions, thanks to two US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 2-compliant CAT 3512C engines per vessel. Each engine is rated 1,756kW at 1,800 rpm.
Designed by Australia-based One2Three Naval Architects, each ferry features a depth of 3.2m, a 1.56m draught and the capacity for 550 passengers, including designated wheelchair spaces. Each vessel is also equipped with a VEEM Star-C propeller, featuring a 51.5″ (1,308mm) diameter, and has been outfitted for onboard WiFi.
Speaking at the handover ceremony as the newbuilds were unloaded by heavy-lift cargo ship BBC Moonstone, Bermuda’s minister of tourism and transport, culture and sport, The Honourable Owen Darrell, commented: “These ferries are striking vessels — their clean lines, bright interior and wide windows give them a presence that immediately signals progress. When they move across the harbour, they will look every bit as modern as they feel inside. These improvements support our environmental goals and create long-term savings for the taxpayer.”
