Southampton-based FBM Babcock Marine, part of Babcock International Group, and one of the world's leading designers and builders of high speed ferries and specialist patrol vessels, has handed over its latest fast ferry to Naviera Universal Espanola SL.

The Universal Mk 1, a TriCat class vessel built at Babcock's Rosyth yard, has been delivered to Spain where it will soon be commencing service between Barcelona, Majorca and Minorca.

FBM managing director John Warbey said: "I am very happy that our first vessel under the ownership of Babcock has been delivered on time and to budget. The TriCat class boasts excellent seakeeping qualities as well as well-appointed interiors, with the vessel carrying 432 passengers in luxurious comfort. The TriCat is renowned worldwide for its stylish looks and reliability, with similar vessels in operation in the USA,Greece and the Far East.''

Mr Warbey added "With the takeover by Babcock, FBM has been accelerating its new vessel development programme with a number of innovative vessels under design. The company has a long pedigree in producing well built, high quality and commercially successful vessels which we will be carrying forward.''