PORTLAND, Maine — High-speed ferry service will return this summer between Maine and Nova Scotia on a vessel that is smaller and faster than one that ended after two difficult seasons.

Mark MacDonald, president of the Canadian company Bay Ferries, said the company will operate a twin-hulled vessel under a lease agreement with the Navy.

The ship, USNS Puerto Rico, can make the 212-mile trip in 5½ hours. The Nova Star, which ended service in October, took 11 hours.

The vessel is similar in size and operation to a previous high-speed ferry that Bay Ferries operated on the same route from 2006 through 2009.

In the one-year charter agreement signed with the Navy on Thursday, the Navy retains the right to take back the ship at any time. MacDonald said he doubts that will ever happen.

He said the Puerto Rico will be configured to carry between 700 and 750 passengers. It can carry 280 cars.

The service will begin on June 15, MacDonald said. It will depart Portland daily at 2:30 p.m. and arrive in Yarmouth at 9 p.m. After spending the night in Yarmouth, the ferry will depart for Maine at 8 a.m.