Fast ferry Buccoo Reef handed over to Government

THE Buccoo Reef, one of two fast ferries bought to service the domestic seabridge, has been handed over to the Government, a release from Nidco has said.

The Nidco release said theGovernment took possession of the 100-metre long, high-speed catamaran at 7.30 pm on Tuesday.

Because of restrictions due to the pandemic, the vessel was received by representatives acting on behalf of Nidco at shipbuilder Incat's shipyard in Hobart, Tazmania.

The vessel can carry 995 passengers and 250 vehicles and has a top speed of 37 knots.

It is now being prepared for the journey to Trinidad and is expected later this month. The other new fast ferry, the APT James, is already en route to Trinidad and is expected to arrive later this week.