Island’s vintage ferry gets refit
Bermuda’s oldest passenger ferry returned last week after receiving extensive refits in the United States.
The Department of Marine and Ports sent the Bermudian, designed to carry 700 people, to the Gladding-Hearn Shipyard in Somerset, Massachusetts, in 2022 for extensive upgrades.
Wayne Furbert, the Minister of Transport, said that the refit cost the ministry $4.5 million, compared with the $12 to $15 million it would cost to replace the vessel.
He added: "We are pleased to have the Bermudian back in local waters and look forward to her serving the very popular Blue Route from Dockyard to Hamilton.
“The larger vessel will be able to service the needs of our residents and cruise visitors during this very busy season."
She had her original twin Detroit Diesel 12V-71 460 main engines replaced with Caterpillar C-18, 600bhp engines and two new 99kW Caterpillar generators.
The ferry also has newly enlarged shafts, seals, bearings, cooling and exhaust systems.
She also now comes with ZF W650 gearboxes to turn two five-bladed HS Marine Ni-Br-Al propellers, which give her a speed of 13.5 knots — a little more than 15mph.
Air controls in the three control stations were replaced with ZF electronic controls, a new Kobelt PTO-powered hydraulic steering system and an upgraded bow thruster.
The engine room's existing Halon fire suppression system was also replaced with a new clean agent fire suppression system for easy maintenance.
The Bermudian’s new upgrades include internal and external updates, replacement hull plating and pilot house windows, an upgraded electrical system and expanded sewage holding capacity.
The ship’s new engines, controls and monitoring systems will give her an overall better performance and the machinery plant upgrade will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and make the boat more environmentally friendly.
The repairs were part of the ministry’s budgeted infrastructure refit and replacement programme for public transportation, which will involve the entire Marine and Ports fleet.
The Bermudian is expected to return to the Blue Route on June 10.
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