New vessels
We are investing £40m+ in two new vessels to maintain lifeline links for the Isles of Scilly. The new passenger ship, Scillonian IV, is scheduled to enter service in March 2027, while the new cargo vessel, Menawethan, is due to arrive in the UK in May 2026.
New vessels
Current vessels
Scillonian III, was purpose-built for the company in 1977, and had a major refit in 2013. She can carry up to 485 passengers as well as cargo for eight months of the year. In 1989 the company bought the freight ship ‘Gry Maritha’ for a year-round freight service to the islands.
In 2019 we started turning our attention to replacing these vessels and meeting the future demands of the island community. Having consulted with and listened to the community, we found resilience, reliability, journey time and affordability to be the most important factors for any future services.
In 2019 we started turning our attention to replacing these vessels and meeting the future demands of the island community. Having consulted with and listened to the community, we found resilience, reliability, journey time and affordability to be the most important factors for any future services.
New vessels
Unique route
The sea journey to the Isles of Scilly is unique. It requires vessels that can operate in a variety of sea conditions and within the constraints of Penzance harbour on the mainland and St Mary’s harbour on the islands. For example, vessels must be able to sit on the seabed during low tide and ships need to have a shallow draft to get into St Mary’s.
New vessels
Future-proof
We also must consider what might happen in the future because any new vessels will serve the community for decades to come. Climate change means that we could see stronger winds with bigger waves, and the Government plans to decarbonise the marine sector by 2050.
New passenger ferry
Scillonian IV
The new passenger vessel will reduce journey times and will replace Scillonian III.
New freight vessel
Menawethan
The new freight vessel is a purpose-built 45m ship to replace the Gry Maritha.