The latest addition to Bermuda's tug boat fleet will arrive in Bermuda at the end of April.

The Edward M. Stowe will be used as a multi-purpose vessel with the specific role of training Bermudians who are interested in a maritime career.

Named after the father and son team who both worked as engineers with the Department of Marine & Ports Services for a combined 113 years, the tug will be the first Government vessel named after a Bermudian.

Transport Minister Ewart Brown said he was delighted to welcome the tug to the fleet, which he described as a first class tug outfitted with state of the art communication and navigational equipment. The vessel is currently sailing from England with a crew of eight, including three Bermudians from the Department of Marine & Ports Services. She is expected to stop over in the Azores this week for re-fuelling before continuing to Bermuda.

"We expect that she will serve in the role of a search and rescue vessel as well as assisting our current tugs Faithful and Powerful in their duties; but we want the Edward M. Stowe's primary focus to be a tool in training our young Bermudians in maritime career opportunities."

Dr. Brown said high school students would have the opportunity to take a week or two on the vessel for future training in careers such as ferry pilots, tug pilots, and navigational officers.

The vessel was officially handed over to Bermuda in Southampton, England last year. Dr. Brown will hold a welcome ceremony when the vessel arrives.