Two new fast ferries, which will have improved disabled access, wi-fi and accept digital payments, were delivered to the island by container ship.

Water cannon signalled the arrivals of MV Cecil Smith and MV Warbaby Fox in Hamilton Harbour on Tuesday.

The ferries, built by Strategic Marine in Singapore, were delivered by the heavy-lift ship BBC Moonstone. Their delivery was livestreamed on CITV’s YouTube page.

The Ministry of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport announced their imminent arrival on Monday.

The catamaran ferries are expected to help the island handle increased numbers of passengers from larger cruise ships and provide better transport between Hamilton, Dockyard and St George’s.

The boats will also cut carbon dioxide emission by about 25 per cent compared with existing ferries on a passenger-mile basis and lead to significant savings on operational costs.

The catamaran ferries include designated wheelchair spaces, wi-fi and Shorelink digital fare media access points.

They will remain at the Hamilton ferry berth for commissioning and staff training by Strategic Marine.

The official handover and christening ceremony will take place on November 14, with complementary public ferry rides offered the next day.

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