New M/V Somers Isles welcomed with plaque presentation

Somers Isles Shipping Ltd (SISL) is pleased to welcome the new M/V SOMERS ISLES to the Bermuda service with an honorary plaque presentation that took place onboard the vessel this afternoon in the presence of various local dignitaries and Directors of SISL. Attending on behalf of the Bermuda Government were Mr Francis Richardson (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Development & Transport), Mr. Scott Simmons (Acting Director, Department of Marine & Ports), Mr. Keith Battersbee (Chairman, Bermuda Ports Authority) whilst Mayor Graeme Outerbridge attended for the City of Hamilton.

This new ship replaces the previous SOMERS ISLES that was redelivered to her owners earlier this month after 7 years hard service for SISL. The new SOMERS ISLES is of a slightly smaller size than the previous ship but is less than two years old and fully capable of meeting the present and future cargo demands of SISL. Additionally this new ship offers increased fuel efficiency and lower exhaust emissions reflective of SISL’s commitment to limit the environmental impact from their operation.

In taking this new ship on charter for an initial two year period (with extension options thereafter) SISL has demonstrated a solid commitment to the people of Bermuda that rely on the SISL freight service between Fernandina Beach, Florida and Bermuda. Currently operating 35 voyages a year between the US and Bermuda SISL has been in continuous operation since July 1985 and this new ship will see the line through to its 30th Anniversary and beyond.