The Maine State Ferry Service’s newest vessel is going to be undergoing sea trials this spring before beginning regular service this summer.

“The Spear” is named for Richard G. Spear, the first employee of the Maine State Ferry Service in 1959.

It was built Washburn & Doughty Associates in East Boothbay and launched just last week.

The Maine Department of Transportation says the  vessel is 154-feet-long with the capacity to hold 250 passengers and 23 vehicles.

The ferry will arrive in August in Rockland to begin regular service to Vinalhaven.