Government has put out tenders for new ferries as it seeks to complete the overhaul of its fleet.

After spending $5 million on two new fast catamaran ferries earlier this year, Government is looking to spend the same sum on up to three smaller boats said Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown.

He said these would be used for shorter runs allowing the catamarans to be used on longer runs where speed restrictions don't apply.

Currently no-wake zones hamper some of the capabilities of the fast ferries on shorter runs.

He said: “If the demand is there we will move up the St. George's commuter service. At the moment it is just Dockyard to St. George's.”

He said a decision on the new boats would likely be made by the end of the year with the new ferries arriving by April at the very earliest.

He said Gladding-Hearn, who built Resolute and Serenity at $2.5 million apiece, would be asked to bid.

“It's not automatic and we hear with their production schedule they might not be able to meet the time requirement,” said Dr. Brown.

Opposition Transport Spokesman Trevor Moniz said: “I suspect what's happened is he's discovered he should never have bought the two large ferries and now he's doing what should have been done in the first place and buying something more suitable for Bermuda.”

He said the catamarans were designed for high speed, long distance runs.

He said: “We don't have them in Bermuda. We have low speeds and short distances.

“They are not doing what they were designed for - they won't have a long life.

“They should have bought smaller boats. They wasted a lot of money.”

Mr. Moniz said the high speed ferries were only 40 percent full on commuter runs and sat idle for most of the day.

“They might as well say it was a mistake.”

He doubted whether using the catamarans on a St. George's to Hamilton commuting run would be any use.

“You won't get that sort of rider particularly travelling on the north shore in winter when the weather is bad,” said Mr. Moniz.

“How long will it take you? I don't think there will be any great savings.”