A newer, bigger and faster container ship has taken over the Somers Isles’ route between Bermuda and Florida.

The new vessel made her maiden voyage to the Island at the end of last month and is the sixth ship to carry the Somers Isles name.

Previously the ship had been called the Fiorano and hauled recyclables in the seas of northern Europe. The new Somers Isles travels around two knots faster than her predecessor and can hold over 350 containers as well as 50 refrigerated containers.

The ship travels between Fernandina Beach in Florida and Bermuda three times a month and is managed by Container Ship Management Ltd.

Howard Pitcher, CSM vice president of commercial operations, said: “This ship is much larger than the one it is replacing.

“We are positioning Somers Isles to be one of the main lines to carry construction equipment and building materials for what looks to be a new phase in development in Bermuda.

“Our previous ship also has troubles keeping schedule in rougher weather months, so this investment in our future should benefit our current and future customers greatly in the coming months. As the ship was only built in 2012, we may be seeing her for quite a few years in this trade.

“This vessel is also laid out in such a way that it will be much quicker to work here in Hamilton by Stevedoring Services.”

The old Somers Isles will now return to the Mediterranean.

George Butterfield, manager of Meyer Freight, added: “In adverse weather conditions, the new Somers Isles is more efficient and is better able to maintain its schedule.

“Large deck hatches make offloading easier and faster. With the vessel being discharged quicker, our customers can receive their cargo within hours after the vessel arrives.”