By Monday the new tugboat/training vessel will be officially christened, providing Bermudian high school graduates with the opportunity to learn various marine trades while serving on board.

The sailed from England in the latter part of last month, arriving in Bermuda last Friday, a Government spokesperson said. Her crew ? eight members, three of whom are Bermudian ? is also all on the Island.

She will serve in a multitude of capacities, including aiding the Island's current tugboats ? the and the in their duties ? but the will also serve as a training vessel, particularly for young students interesting in pursuing a career in a marine environment.

Such careers include pilots, deckhands, and navigational officers, the spokesperson said.

The 100-foot was named after former Marine and Ports Services employees Edward Stowe, Sr. and Edward Stowe, Jr.

The father-son team, both now deceased, served a combined 113 years for Marine and Ports.

Though the is in Bermuda now, she is currently undergoing cleaning in preparation for Monday's christening by Transport Minister Ewart Brown, the spokesperson said.

"The Minister is very excited to have received the vessel, and is looking forward to the christening on Monday," she added.

In the meantime, construction is progressing well at the Northwest Bay shipyard in New Zealand on the two new fast ferries and , she said.

As of last Thursday the top coat painting was virtually complete, with only some places on the deck left to be painted. "Windows are being fitted and painting is coming to an end.

"All in all good progress is being made, according to Marine and Ports."

Government anticipates the ferries will arrive sometime in early to mid-summer.