IT is the luxury passenger ferry built by Southampton engineers.

Southampton-based BMT Nigel Gee, which has a location in Shamrock Quay, and Ares Shipyard has announced the first boats of a series of eight luxury passenger ferries destined for Qatar have been completed and delivered to the customer.

The first two vessels will be delivered to the customer less than seven months after initial project discussions after BMT worked closely with Ares Shipyard to produce an innovative design, with particular focus on the ease of construction.

The vessel was designed specifically to transport guests to the new Anantara Doha Island resort and spa.

It is 18m in length with a beam of 6.7m and can carry up to 51 passengers.

Business class seating and refreshment facilities are on board within a fully air conditioned passenger saloon.

The ferry is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 29 knots and a service speed of 22 knots.

Ed Dudson, technical director of BMT Nigel Gee, said: “The ability of Ares Shipyard to deliver these vessels on schedule to such a high quality of finish is confirmation of the professionalism and dedication of the shipyard.” Kerim Kalafatoglu, managing director of Ares Shipyard in Turkey, said: “In order to support the opening of the resort, it was important to deliver the first vessel early in 2014. BMT Nigel Gee proved again that it is one of very few design companies that can develop robust design solutions, whilst providing suitable levels of support during such an aggressive build schedule, without major discrepancies and delays.”