The Bermuda Islander has been relaunched from her dry dock in the United States and is expected to be back on the island next Wednesday.

The ship was supposed to be back in the water last month but a mechanical failure occurred at the shipyard in Jacksonville while the vessel was being moved.

As a result the ship’s return to service was delayed and the Somers Isles was called in to act as a replacement.

Meyer Freight, which operates the Bermuda Islander , sent its customers confirmation that the ship was back in the water yesterday.

The statement said: “We are very pleased to inform you that the Bermuda Islander is back in the water.

“She will complete an eastbound voyage for Somers Isles Shipping Ltd and then resume her Bermuda International Shipping Ltd service with the departure of voyage from Hamilton. Her first voyage from Salem will be on February 22. We understand this has been a challenging period for our customers.

“We want to thank everyone for their extraordinary efforts to adjust quickly to delayed sailings and cancelled voyages. We would especially like to thank the managers and agents of Somers Isles Shipping for allowing us the extended use of their good ship. This act was instrumental in maintaining the flow of goods to Bermuda.”