The Millennium fast ferry looks set to return to Bermuda next year, a Transport Ministry spokeswoman has revealed.

The ferry has bolstered the fleet for the past two years and transported thousands of visitors between Dockyard and St George’s.

The 400-capacity vessel is currently moored in Dockyard waiting for a three-day weather window to return to the United States.

It is understood that she was expected to leave the Island last month, although US media reports suggested that the Millennium would leave in October.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport confirmed that “the plan is to bring it [Millennium] back next year”.

“The vessel requires a three-day weather window, which is US Coast Guard policy for this vessel, for sea passage to the United States East Coast,” she said.

“This three-day weather window is critical, especially transiting the Gulf Stream as weather around Bermuda can be fair but off the East Coast of the United States there can be inclement weather.

“The owners of the Millennium are monitoring the weather daily and plan to leave Bermuda at the earliest opportunity.”

The Millennium charter ferry, which originates in Rhode Island, was brought in from the US to ease pressure on the existing fleet in May last year. At the time, Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell revealed that the proposed charter of the vessel would cost $1.2 million.

Her departure from Bermuda in the latter part of last year was also delayed due to bad weather.

This year the contract to keep the Millennium in Bermuda was extended.

The move was welcomed by public figures in St George’s, who said the fast ferry had played a vital role in transporting thousands of visitors from Dockyard to the Olde Towne.