The life span of the ferry Resolute has been extended by 12 years following a $2 million refit at the shipyard where it was originally built in 2002.

The House of Assembly also heard that Bermuda’s flagship pilot boat St David, damaged in May after it struck a reef, would be back in service in six to eight weeks.

Most of the $600,000 cost of repairs is covered by insurance, leaving the Government $10,000 out of pocket.

Lawrence Scott, the transport minister, gave the details in response to questions from One Bermuda Alliance MPs Michael Dunkley and Scott Pearman in the House of Assembly today.

Mr Scott told MPs this morning that Resolute returned to Bermuda after the nine-month refit on June 27.

Mr Scott said the work was carried out by Gladding-Hearn shipyard in Boston, the original builders.

Mr Scott said second fast ferry, Serenity, is scheduled to depart for Boston next week to undergo a similar refit and is expected to return to Bermuda in May 2022.

He told the House the shipyard was the closest to Bermuda, with suitable facilities and relevant expertise.

“While other yards may have suitable expertise, they are located further away,” he said. “This increased distance represents a higher cost and risk for the deliveries and could impact the vessels’ return to service.”

Mr Scott said Gladding-Hearn staff also provide “expert advice and service parts” to Marine and Port Services to keep the vessels in service.

He said: “The Resolute has all new machinery, including main engines, generators, steering system, newly upgraded air conditioning, new windows, updated navigational equipment, all new interior, new bathrooms and fully outfitted with CCTV cameras with recording capabilities and a PA system for public safety announcements to name a few.

“The Resolute is currently being cleaned and prepared to return to service on both the green and blue ferry routes servicing both the general public and our cruise ship passengers.”

Mr Scott thanked the Marine and Ports crew who delivered the Resolute on the 730 mile voyage home.

He also updated the House on reasons why St George’s lost out on the ferry service for passengers from the Viking Orion homeporting in Bermuda.

Mr Scott cited the “uncomfortable experience” for elderly passengers getting on board and getting ashore, and a lengthy waiting time.

He added that the tender to bring in guests had a pricetag of $9,855 for a Friday run, and $17,520 on Saturdays.

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