Ageing vessel steady in its service to Bermuda
Trusty but ageing Bermuda Islander makes weekly runs to New Jersey continuing to supply necessities, luxuries and everything in between.
“The vessel is extremely reliable, and despite terrible weather over the last few months, she has maintained her schedule,” said George Butterfield, the vice-president of Meyer Freight, in discussing the Bermuda Islander.
The 100-metre ship was built in 2001, making it a veteran in the business.
“Three years ago, the vessel was dry-docked and given a life-extension refit,” Mr Butterfield said. “Generators were replaced and the rudder, propeller and shaft system were all renewed. The hatches and all associated hydraulics were renewed or replaced.”
The vessel makes weekly deliveries to Bermuda, arriving every Thursday from Salem, in southern New Jersey.
She handles refrigerated and dry containers, vehicles, boats, construction machinery and a variety of bulk items, and also ships in newsprint for The Royal Gazette.
The Bermuda Islander is on schedule for 51 voyages this year.
Meyer Freight is the local agent for the vessel as well as Somers Isles, which was built in 2012. It is the same size as the Bermuda Islander and plies the waters between Bermuda and Florida twice a week.
“The Bermuda Islander could sail for ten-plus years if required,” Mr Butterfield said.
The Gazette toured the vessel after completion of her fourth voyage to the island this year. The health department was also on site as it inspects the vessel twice a year.
The Bermuda Islander has nine crew members, including captain Jamesel Manisan and chief mate Nilo Failanza.
“Crew members are constantly conducting repairs and maintenance on the vessel to keep it in class,” Mr Butterfield said.
Bermuda International Shipping, the owner of the Bermuda Islander, plans to replace the ship at some point, and it is now evaluating technologies that can be adopted in the replacement that would reduce the ship’s environmental footprint.
The Oleander, which has provided a weekly service between Port Elizabeth, New Jersey and Bermuda, was until recently in dry dock for a number of weeks.
Andromeda J, the replacement vessel, will be running the route through February 16.
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