Smith’s Ferry Services has expanded its fleet with the launch of a brand-new vessel, ‘I Legend’, unveiled during an official ceremony at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
The vessel, named in honour of the company’s late founder, Captain Ira Smith, marks another significant milestone in the company’s efforts to rebuild and expand its services following the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
Since its relaunch in 2019, ‘I Legend’ is the second vessel added to the fleet and is set to service the route between the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and St. Thomas (USVI). With a seating capacity of 149, the new ferry is expected to improve transportation between the two territories.
Marjorie Smith, President of Smith’s Ferry Services, described ‘I Legend’ as a beacon of hope, symbolizing the resilience of both the company and the wider local ferry industry.
The vessel’s captains, Rikky Baynes and Haheem Farrington—both sons of Smith—will play a key role in operating I Legend. Baynes, who assisted in the construction of the vessel in Australia, expressed his excitement and confidence in the ferry’s capabilities.
Smith’s Ferry Services has long been an essential connector for Virgin Islanders and visitors, facilitating critical transport between the BVI and USVI. Before the hurricanes, the company operated a fleet of approximately six vessels, all of which were lost in the storms. Since then, Smith’s Ferry Services has focused on rebuilding, starting with ‘Bomber Charger’, which was the first vessel added to the fleet after the company’s relaunch in 2019.
With the introduction of ‘I Legend’, Smith’s Ferry Services is expected to provide efficient and reliable service, further supporting the economic and social ties between the BVI and USVI.