A Bermudian firm has won a bid to run two ferries between Dockyard and St George for Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Cruiseport Ferry Management, owned by experienced mariner Beau Evans, will operate the two 85-foot catamarans from next July.

The boats, built by NCL and thought to be worth between $3 million and $4 million each, will carry up to 250 passengers each and run regularly between the two destinations.

The service, to be entirely staffed by Bermudians, will provide a massive boost in transport capacity to St George.

Senator Michael Fahy, the Minister of Tourism, Transport and Municipalities, said the service would “more than double” the service to the island’s former capital.

Mr Evans holds Department of Marine & Ports class C pilot’s licence, as well as having a Standards of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping for Seafarers qualification, which includes proficiency in marine safety, security, firefighting and first aid.

Mr Fahy said: “Mr Evans has an in-depth knowledge of the Bermuda marine industry, possessing a long history in the field of marine operations and services as well as experience in cruise ship operations.

“I am also very pleased to announce that the captains, crews and all of the associated support staff for this venture will be Bermudian.”

NCL submitted a request for proposal to run their boats in August.

Kenny Bascome, Junior Minister of Tourism, a St George’s MP, said: “This increase in business will provide an important boost to the number of visitors to the Olde Towne.

“It is anticipated that the catamarans will be based in St George’s during the winter months for repairs and maintenance, providing a further boost to the St George’s economy.

“This is yet another step forward in improving tourism in St George’s — the jewel in the crown of Bermuda’s tourism product.”

Bill Hanbury, CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, said earlier this year that the ferries, which will create up to ten jobs, are expected to run on the island until 2022.

Mr Hanbury added that the new service would augment to public ferry system rather than supplant it and the investment was not one Bermuda could have afforded on its own.

NCL ships from its Regent Seven Seas and Oceania premium lines will also make a dozen calls to St George next year.