Bermuda’s newest fast ferries are set to arrive tomorrow on board a container ship.

The two 500-passenger ferries were purchased to replace the ageing MV Cecil Smith and MV Warbaby Fox, offering passengers greater comfort and accessibility.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, said: “This achievement reflects close collaboration between the Government of Bermuda, the Department of Marine and Ports Services and Strategic Marine.

“It is particularly gratifying to note that this milestone project remains on schedule and on budget. The Bermuda project management team has worked diligently to ensure the success of this initiative.

“Both vessels meet the highest international standards for safety, efficiency and operational excellence in Bermuda’s maritime environment.”

Mr Darrell added that the new ferries would enhance the island’s ability to handle larger cruise ships and bolster passenger lift between Dockyard, Hamilton and St George’s.

He said: “This will give the Town of St George a welcome boost in visitor foot traffic and strengthen our public transport and cruise tourism network with safe, efficient and sustainable service.”

The new catamaran ferries are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 25 per cent compared with existing ferries on a passenger-mile basis, and should offer significant savings on operational costs.

They include designated wheelchair spaces, Wi-Fi and Shorelink digital fare media access points.

The two ferries, built by Strategic Marine in Singapore, are scheduled to arrive aboard the BBC Moonstone, a heavy-lift ship.

A government spokeswoman said: “Residents and visitors are invited to witness this exciting moment as the heavy-lift ship carrying the ferries travels up the South Channel bound for Salt Kettle anchorage on October 28.

“The vessel’s arrival will be celebrated with a water cannon salute from the tugs Faithful and Powerful.”

The ferries will remain at the Hamilton ferry berth for commissioning and staff training provided by Strategic Marine, with an official handover and christening ceremony to take place on November 14, followed by complementary public ferry rides on November 15.

Details regarding departure times and locations will be announced closer to the date.