The M/V Huakai, the high-speed ferry that never fulfilled its purpose as part of Hawaii Superferry operations last year, will be mobilized for relief duty in Haiti.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced yesterday that the department's Maritime Administration was sending five ships, including the Huakai, to assist with relief efforts in Haiti.

“;Sending these ships will help those on the front line of this effort save as many lives in Haiti as possible,”; said LaHood. “;These ships will add crucial capabilities by supporting operations to move large volumes of people and cargo.”;

The Huakai joins the Gopher State, Petersburg, Cornhusker State and Cape May, which are being prepared to sail the Caribbean Sea from different U.S. ports.

A projected departure date has not yet been announced.

The Huakai, which was obtained by the Maritime Administration after Hawaii Superferry filed for bankruptcy in May, is a new high-speed passenger and vehicle ferry capable of speeds of nearly 40 knots in the open ocean.

It can carry up to 866 passengers and 282 cars.

The Hawaii Superferry, which aimed to provide interisland ferry services in the state, suspended service of its ship the Alakai and laid off more than 200 employees in March due to a state Supreme Court ruling that effectively shut down its operations.

The Superferry filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy two months later and abandoned the ships to lenders. The Maritime Administration was owed more than $135.7 million.

Hawaii Superferry commissioned both ferries from Austal USA in Mobile, Ala.

Only the Alakai had a brief run between Oahu and Maui. The Huakai never made it to Hawaii. It has been undergoing preparations in Norfolk, Va., since late last week for its mission to Haiti.