Bermuda takes delivery of low-emission catamaran ferry newbuilds

Two new catamaran ferries that have been optimised to Bermuda’s operational requirements, reducing emissions and slashing costs, have been delivered to the island’s Government. 

Aluminium boat builder Strategic Marine shipyard built the large ferries, which will add capacity for Bermuda’s public transport and cruise tourism sectors. The two 40-m, 550-passenger low-emissions catamaran ferries were delivered by the Singapore-headquartered shipbuilder to the government of Bermuda ahead of schedule and within budget, according to Bermuda’s Department of Marine and Ports Services.

The new Lloyd’s Register-classed fast ferries, Warbaby Fox and JL Cecil Smith, arrived at the end of October 2025, aboard BBC Moonstone, a heavy-lift ship. Following their offloading, the ferries remained in Hamilton ferry berth for familiarisation, commissioning, and staff training provided by Strategic Marine as part of the project agreement.

This landmark delivery is the culmination of a two-year process, which saw Strategic Marine secure the shipbuilding contract after an extensive and competitive global tendering process. Bermuda’s Department of Marine and Ports Services, under the Ministry of Transport’s approved capital infrastructure plan, entered into a contract with the shipbuilder.

The vessels were built with modern features to enhance passenger experience, comfort, accessibility and operational efficiency. They will strengthen the island nation’s public transport and cruise tourism network by providing safe, efficient and sustainable ferry services.

Designed by One2Three Naval Architects in Sydney, Australia, the vessels have been optimised for Bermuda’s operational requirements and will reduce CO2 emissions while cutting operational costs.

The vessels have a capacity for 550 passengers each, with designated wheelchair spaces to meet Bermuda’s maritime transport needs, with a reduction of about 25% of CO2 emissions when compared to the previous ferries on a passenger-mile basis. They also offer significant savings on operational costs. This has been achieved by optimising the vessels’ design and construction for the Government of Bermuda’s current and future operational requirements.

They are powered by dual Caterpillar 3512C engines driving 2 x VEEM Star-C propellers with 1.00mm Interceptor Strips. The Z-bow hull design enhances efficiency and comfort, and contributes to the reduction in CO₂ emissions per passenger-mile.

The ferries support integrated commuter and tourism transport, with wide boarding zones, motorcycle stowage, and noise-dampening features for improved passenger experience. Interiors were delivered in partnership with Spear Green Design and ICF, tailored for Bermuda’s operational profile.

The role of the two ferries is dual: they are used by commuters, taking locals and their bicycles and/or motorcycles to and from work, but the ferries also support tourists travelling by cruise ship. Bermuda receives around 500,000 visitors each year from cruise ships, and the two ferries operate from the main cruise ship terminal.

Features that cater to these aspects include a sun deck for tourists to enjoy the weather and scenery. Loading and unloading are completed over the bow with a wide staircase leading to the upper deck, ensuring that passengers can easily move on and off. The bow boarding enables faster and easier docking, saving both time and cost. Bicycles and motorcycles are stored on the foredeck.

Strategic Marine chief executive, Chan Eng Yew, said: "We are delighted to deliver this pair of modern ferries to the government of Bermuda, a new client in our rapidly growing portfolio of global customers. These latest vessels showcase our commitment to delivering world-class ferries that exceed the highest standards of safety, quality and performance while lowering environmental impacts."

Bermuda Minister of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport, Owen Darrell JP, MP, said: “These ferries are striking vessels – their clean lines, bright interior and wide windows give them a presence that immediately signals progress. When they move across the harbour, they will look every bit as modern as they feel inside. These improvements support our environmental goals and create long-term savings for the taxpayer."

Both the Government of Bermuda and Strategic Marine emphasised the importance of collaboration when it came to designing and building the ferries. This point was emphasised back in September 2025, when the ‘technical acceptance’ of the two ferries was announced. The companies explained that close collaboration ensured that the ferries were delivered on schedule and budget. Indeed, Minister Darrell highlighted at the time that it was “particularly gratifying” to note that this project remained on schedule and on budget. Furthermore, the ferry pair have exceeded contracted performance requirements.

Mr Yew said: “This Technical Acceptance milestone reflects the strong collaboration between Strategic Marine, the Government of Bermuda, and our supply partners. We are proud to uphold our commitment to delivering world-class ferries that exceed the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance while lowering environmental impact.”

The Bermuda Government was keen to emphasise the importance of the ferries, which are a major step towards modernising and strengthening the island’s public transportation network. The new duo replace the ageing Cecil Smith and Warbaby Fox ferries. The new vessels hold several advantages over the pair they have replaced, including the fact that the former vessels – both high-speed ferries powered by jet propulsion – were extremely costly to operate and maintain. The two new fast ferries will offer significant savings on operational costs, as mentioned, and reduce CO2 emissions compared to the older vessels.

Minister Darrell emphasised the other benefits the new ferries will bring. “The addition of these two fast ferries will enhance our capacity to accommodate larger cruise ships and provide increased passenger lift between Dockyard and Hamilton, as well as Dockyard and St. George’s. This will give the town of St. George’s a welcome boost in visitor foot traffic and strengthen our public transport and cruise tourism network with safe, efficient, and sustainable service.”

Strategic Marine is at work on its next passenger ferries – in September 2025, it laid the keels for three new 43-m passenger fast ferries at its Singapore yard for a new client, Bintan Resort Ferries.

Bintan Resort Ferries currently operates three ferries, each with a capacity of approximately 300 passengers. With a goal to replace and expand its current fleet, the new ferries, fully compliant with IMO High-Speed Craft (HSC) Code requirements, will accommodate up to 293 passengers, including 57 in the operator’s Emerald Class. Emissions and fuel economy were key considerations for the design of the ferries, with reductions of approximately 33% of emissions and fuel per passenger mile expected to be achieved through a combination of efficient design and propulsion equipment, according to the shipbuilder.