Bermuda Takes Delivery of Two 550-Passenger Low-Emission Catamaran Ferries

The Government of Bermuda completed technical acceptance of two new 40-metre aluminium catamaran ferries on 12 March 2026, bringing a two-year shipbuilding project from global tender to operational fleet addition. The vessels, named Warbaby Fox and JL Cecil Smith, were built by Singapore-headquartered Strategic Marine and designed by One2Three Naval Architects in Sydney, Australia. Both are now in service across Bermuda's ferry network.

Each hull carries 550 passengers and was delivered ahead of schedule and within budget, according to Bermuda's Department of Marine and Ports Services. Strategic Marine described the project on LinkedIn as "a landmark project that marks Strategic Marine's first collaboration with The Government of Bermuda and strengthens our presence in the international ferry market." The shipbuilder added that the delivery "underscores Strategic Marine's growing reputation as a quality builder in the luxury ferries segment, delivering vessels that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and environmental responsibility."

The emissions case for the vessels rests on a combination of hull form and propulsion choices. Both ferries use a Z-bow hull design, which One2Three and Strategic Marine credit with improving efficiency and passenger comfort while contributing to a reduction of at least 25% in CO2 emissions per passenger-mile compared to the ferries they replace. That figure, cited by Strategic Marine and VEEM Marine, is calculated on a passenger-mile basis relative to previously deployed units; no independent verification or baseline fleet data has been published. Powering each catamaran are dual Caterpillar 3512C engines driving two VEEM Star-C propellers fitted with 1.00 mm Interceptor Strips.

Interior fitout was completed in partnership with Spear Green Design and ICF, tailored specifically to Bermuda's operational profile. Passenger-facing features include wide boarding zones, designated wheelchair spaces, motorcycle stowage, and noise-dampening construction throughout. The combination of cruise tourism passengers and daily commuters shaped the brief: Strategic Marine noted the ferries are "built with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and passenger comfort" to serve "residents and visitors alike."

The handover ceremony took place in November 2025, with The Honourable Owen Darrell, Bermuda's Minister of Tourism and Transport, pictured alongside the Strategic Marine team at the event. The subsequent technical acceptance process concluded on 12 March 2026. Maritime Journal reported the initial handover on 17 November 2025, while the final acceptance milestone followed roughly four months later.

Strategic Marine noted the project originated with a global tender and that the parties "shook hands on this project around two years ago." The successful delivery marks the first time the Singapore shipbuilder has worked with the Bermuda government, and positions the company for further work in island-nation ferry markets where vessel efficiency and tight operational profiles carry considerable weight.