The name on this state of the art twin hulled ferry is Hawaii Superferry, but the run down old cargo pier at Lambert’s Point Docks is a long from home for this island runner.

The boat is called and “Alakai”, and it one of two high-speed ferries that was owned by one of the many Hawaiian companies to recently file for bankruptcy. This boat arrived in Norfolk this past Tuesday. The second ferry will be due to arrive in the middle of next week according to Scott Schubart, the manager of the port for Norton Lilly International.

The Navy has announced that they will be looking into the possibility of buying or perhaps leasing both of the boats. Although the boats are designed for civilian use, they are well equipped fast boats and could be put to good use by the Navy. This was reported on the Web site of DefenseNews.com.

The Alakai, has a top speed of 35 knots and it has a capacity of 866 passengers and 282 compact cars, or 20 large trucks and 90 cars.

The Alakai was only in operation in Hawaii for a short time, starting in August 2007. It ran between Oahu and Maui.