Ferry fleet bolstered

A new addition to Bermuda’s ferry fleet is expected to arrive on the island within days.

The Millennium charter ferry has been brought in from the US to ease pressure on the existing fleet.

It was hoped the 400-capacility vessel would arrive in time for the Norwegian Breakaway’s arrival today.

But its schedule has been delayed by bad weather and it is now expected to sail into Bermuda on Sunday or Monday. 

In March ferry workers downed tools over plans to bring the Millennium to Bermuda from overseas claiming they had not been consulted about the arrangement. 

But Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell claimed that chartering the ferry would provide additional capacity during the summer season and will in no way negatively impact the staff of the Department of Marine & Ports.

He added: “The proposed charter ferry Millennium will cost $1.2 million and will provide substantial savings over the cost of purchasing a new ferry, which is approximately $6 million.”

Last night a spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport told the Bermuda Sun: “The Millennium Charter ferry has been waiting for an acceptable weather window to make the crossing from Boston to Bermuda. The latest forecast shows a window for departure late Thursday or early Friday morning of this week with arrival in Bermuda expected late Sunday or early Monday.”