A new and improved container ship with more space and more speed arrived in Bermuda on its maiden voyage earlier this week.

After receiving several suggestions from existing and potential customers to employ a faster vessel to ensure Monday morning arrivals, Bermuda International Shipping Limited decided to replace the Bermuda Islander .

A Meyer Agencies Limited spokesman, said the new Bermuda Islander was launched at the Tille Scheepsbouw Kootsterville B.V. shipyard in Friesland, northern Holland on August 26.

Mrs. Patricia Hayward, wife of Meyer's president the Wor. Henry Hayward was on hand to christen the vessel, which the company took on a long-term charter.

Finishing and fine-tuning the vessel took another five to six weeks and the new Bermuda Islander was handed over to BISL in October at the Dutch port of Delfzijl, added the spokesman.

The vessel's maiden arrival in its US port of Salem, New Jersey was shortly afterwards.

The new ship is slightly larger than the old one at 90 metres and has an improved container intake of 150 loaded 20-foot boxes.

This additional space allows BISL to accommodate a variety of vehicles, break bulk and other sensitive non-containarisable cargo with under deck stowage.

The vessel also has a more powerful engine which produces a service speed of 13.5 knots when fully loaded and 14.5 knots when in ballast.

Photos by David Skinner WATCHFUL EYE -- Dutch Chief Engineer Albertus Westra in the engine room.

QUARTERS -- The new recreation room complete with stereo, television and refreshments on board the new Bermuda Islander where the crew can spend time while crossing the Atlantic.

FULLY LOADED -- A bird's eye view of the new Bermuda Islander's container loading area which can take 150 20-foot containers comfortably. She is docked alongside Hamilton docks.

AHOY THERE -- Dutch Captain Hemmo Gremmer is shown at the helm of his new charge.

SPEED DEMON -- The new Bermuda Islander container ship alongside the dock in Hamilton this week on her maiden voyage. The ship is capable of travelling at 13.5 knots fully loaded with containers.