The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Balèaria Bahamas Express has suspended its service between Bimini and South Florida after only four months, although a company executive yesterday confirmed to Tribune Business it would resume in the fall with a faster, more modern vessel.

  Pablo Aviles, Balèaria ‘s commercial executive, said: “Basically we decided that the Maverick, even though it was a beautiful, comfortable ship, we wanted to provide a better service for the community and the customers in general.

“We decided to send that ship back to Spain and we ordered a much larger and faster ship, which should arrive at some point in the fall. When that arrives we should be able to provide a much better service because not only is the ship larger, but it has stabilizers, meaning it won’t rock as much in the water and it will be one of the most modern ships in the American continent.

“It’s a jet powered ship and sails at 50 knots, which doubles the speed of the Maverick.  It will actually travel from South Florida to Bimini in an hour and 10 minutes. It’s a completely different service.”

Balèaria, which also operates a service between South Florida and Freeport, began its service into Bimini back in February. The company’s push for a quicker, more modern vessel is likely a reaction to the launch of Resorts World Bimini’s Superfast Ferry, also offering service between South Florida and Bimini.

  While not giving specifics of Balèaria’s performance on its Florida/Bimini route, Mr Aviles said: “It was a very new project. We stopped it after four months of service. I believe that we didn’t yet have time to build a market.

“Just like every new project it needs some time to get the ball rolling. The responses we were getting  were very positive. We wanted to provide a better service, and that’s why we opted to suspend the service now and provide a better service in the future.

“We suspended the service in May. We’re not sure when exactly it will resume; it may be September or October, but it’s in the works and we’re very much looking to have that service. It will be not only a luxurious ship but a fast way to get there.”