Serenity, the first of two new fast ferries, is due to arrive in Bermuda today.

Serenity is expected to moor at the Marine and Ports dock on East Broadway.

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said yesterday: "We are excited about the arrival of the first of two catamaran ferry boats to be delivered and look forward to putting it into service for the Bermuda public."

The second ferry, Resolute, will be delivered in May. The $5 million boats will be used on the new Rockaway and St. George's services and on the Dockyard run.

Dr. Brown hopes the fast ferries will cut commuter traffic out of the West End.

The new ferry stop at Rockaway in Southampton is due to be completed in time to take the new boat, which was launched earlier this month and received its sea trials with ferry pilots from Marine and Ports on board.

Dr. Brown said he is hoping to cut commuter traffic from the West End by 25 percent once the service is up and running, but any reduction would be welcome.

The fast ferry will cut journey times from Rockaway and Dockyard to Hamilton to between 17 and 20 minutes.