Construction work on Bermuda’s sixth fast ferry is on course to be completed by mid-September, Government announced yesterday.

The catamaran — currently being built in Bridgeport, Connecticut, by Direktor Shipyard — will be similar in structure to the Warbaby Fox, which was officially launched for the East End of the Island last year. It will accommodate 350 passengers.

The Director of Marine and Ports Services, Francis Richardson, said he was pleased with the building progress of the ferry so far. He said significant hull construction will be completed this week.

Once constructed, and following sea trials, the new ferry will join sister catamarans Resolute, Serenity>, Venturilla, Tempest and Warbaby Fox in full commuter service to the public.

Premier Ewart Brown, who is also Ministry of Transport, has stated he is keen to step up the number of options available to people seeking to find alternative ways to get around.

Earlier this year, Bermuda’s fast ferry project was held up as a model to be considered for use across the region at a meeting of Caribbean leaders in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.