Construction of the island’s two newest fast ferries has officially begun.

Wayne Furbert, the Minister of Transport, announced the Government’s $19.5 million contract with Strategic Marine Singapore to build the 40-metre vessels in February.

The minister said the new ferries, each capable of carrying up to 550 passengers, “not only marks a considerable investment in maritime infrastructure, but also promises to improve the commuting experience for residents and tourists alike”.

A keel-laying ceremony in Singapore on April 16 marked the building of the vessels.

Rudolph Cann, director of the Department of Marine and Ports Services, and Chan Eng Yew, chief executive of Strategic Marine, attended the event, which, according to a report from SeaNews, “symbolises the commencement of the vessels’ construction and represents a significant step forward in the ‘Bermuda Ferries’ project”.

Mr Yew told the outlet that Strategic Marine was “honoured and thankful for the Government of Bermuda at this event and look forward to the next milestone of this project for us”.

The ferries are intended to replace the 350-passenger vessels Warbaby Fox and JL Cecil Smith.

Mr Furbert said the older ferries, which were built in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and came into service in 2006 and 2007, respectively, could be sold.

However, final approval had not been given as of February.