Following the launch of Menawethan, Scillonian IV was repositioned onto her keel blocks in the building dock, ready for the next key stage of construction. The final megablock forming the vessel’s bow section and weighing 118 tonnes was successfully lifted into the dock using the goliath crane. Integration work with the remainder of the hull is now underway. This complex operation represents a major milestone in the project, as full integration of this section will complete the construction of the hull.
New vessels
Articles
Find out the latest updates and more in depth information from our experts on Scillonian IV and Menawethan.
Menawethan, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s new freight vessel, was successfully launched Friday evening (Vietnam time),a major milestone marking the start of the final phase of her build programme.
The 45-metre vessel, named after one of the Isles of Scilly’s uninhabited islands, will replace Gry Maritha in 2026, continuing the vital lifeline freight service between the islands and the mainland.
The float-out, during which Menawethan left the building dock for the first time, represents a key stage in the construction process. Her build officially began in June 2024 at Piriou’s shipyard in Vietnam.
The launch involved flooding the dock to float her off the keel blocks and carefully manoeuvring the vessel through the dock entrance into the Nha Be River, towing her to the outfitting berth. A controlled process taking around eight hours, carried out overnight to coincide with high tide and low traffic in the river.
Following her launch, Menawethan now moves into the commissioning phase. This includes extensive testing of all major systems, from generator sets, side door, and pallet hoist to main engines, propulsion, hydraulics, and electrical systems, all in accordance with the shipbuilding specification and Lloyd’s Register classification rules. The full commissioning and function testing programme will take approximately three months, ahead of sea trials planned for the end of January 2026.
Once these trials are complete, Menawethan will formally join the Steamship Group’s fleet, supporting the company’s commitment to providing resilient and reliable freight and passenger links for the Isles of Scilly.
Stuart Reid, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said:
“Seeing Menawethan launched is a proud moment for everyone involved. It’s a visible sign of the progress we’re making to deliver a stronger, more sustainable service for the Isles of Scilly.
“This vessel has been designed specifically with the unique needs of the islands in mind, and today’s milestone brings us another step closer to her entering service.”
The Steamship Group’s £40 million vessel replacement programme represents one of the most significant investments in the company’s history. It reaffirms the Group’s long-term commitment to supporting island communities through enhanced passenger and freight services.
Menawethan will bring a step-change in freight provision, with greater capacity, improved facilities for chilled and frozen goods, and a lounge for up to 12 passengers, providing a year-round passenger and freight sea link.
Menawethan is being built alongside the new Scillonian IV passenger ferry, to the Steamship Group’s detailed design and specifications, by Piriou’s specialist teams of engineers and fabricators.
Machinery and technical spaces
Installation of machinery, piping, valves, and related equipment is progressing well. The rescue boat davit is installed, along with windlass and anchor chain stoppers. Temporary shore power has been connected to operate the hydraulic systems for the side door and pallet lift.
The cargo crane is due to be delivered to the shipyard this week and installed.
Hull and painting progress
All hull structural tests are complete. Work continues with the 5-coat antifouling system, and areas of the hull have been blasted and painted following docking block relocation. Blue paint is progressing well on the topsides of the hull and white around the wheelhouse areas. All the hull markings, names and logos have been painted in white on the port and starboard bow and stern. The specially designed rubber fenders have been fitted to the hull on the port and starboard sides.
Accommodation and interiors
Crew and passenger accommodation work continues, including ceiling panels, window boxes, and furniture installation.
Electrical and cabling
A total of 51km of electrical cable is being installed, with termination work is ongoing. Wheelhouse console wiring and installation of electrical equipment are progressing steadily.
Quality checks and commissioning
Working closely with the shipyard quality management team the ISSG site teams are steadily completing the quality checks and finishing touches to the hull before launching. The first stage commissioning of the pallet hoist and side door is taking place with the McGregor engineer in attendance and working closely with the shipyard.
Next steps
Once the vessel launches at the end of October there will be a period of commissioning and testing of all the onboard equipment before the sea trials scheduled for early 2026. The sea trials are carried out to ensure that the vessel performs in accordance the shipbuilding specification and for class and statutory compliance. Preparations are progressing well with Piriou and Lloyd’s Register for the delivery voyage of the vessel from Vietnam to UK. ISSG is planning for service entry, crewing, certification, and familiarisation, when the vessel arrives in Penzance.
Site manager, Peter Broad, talks us through the lifting into place of Hull Vane on Scillonian IV – a significant build milestone.
The bow megablock for Scillonian IV is now structurally complete and has been relocated to the head of the dock. Moving it away from the main construction and painting areas keeps them cleaner, ready for the blasting and painting of the megablock to take place.
Meanwhile, rigorous hose testing is underway on Menawethan’s watertight doors. A jet of water is directed over the door seals and windows to confirm they are watertight and the structure unaffected by the heat of welding, with inspectors checking from inside to ensure every seal holds firm.
The vessel’s doors are fitted with a “common dog” system, meaning a single lever operates all securing points at once, adding both safety and efficiency.
We’re pleased to share the latest on our vessel replacement programme – a major investment in the future of lifeline travel and freight services between the Isles of Scilly and the mainland.
The project includes the construction of two new vessels: Scillonian IV, our next-generation passenger ferry, and Menawethan, a dedicated freight vessel. Both ships are being built by Piriou and represent a new era of connectivity and resilience for the islands.
Construction on both vessels continues to progress well.
Menawethan
Menawethan is on track for completion and delivery in spring 2026. She is due to arrive in the UK in May 2026, followed by familiarisation, crew training, sea trials and final checks before entering full service around two months later.
Scillonian IV
For a number of reasons, including global supply issues and the delivery route via the Cape of Good Hope, Scillonian IV will now enter service in March 2027.
She will bring significant improvements to the passenger experience:
- Faster journey times and increased capacity
- Greater comfort, with a modern hull design and fin stabilisers to reduce motion at sea
- Upgraded onboard facilities
- Improved environmental performance, with hybrid-ready propulsion and energy-efficient systems
These two new vessels are a once-in-a-generation investment and will secure reliable, sustainable transport links for the islands long into the future.
Construction of the new cargo vessel Menawethan has reached several key milestones, according to the project team overseeing the build. Chris Lingham, recently appointed as vessels project manager, provided a detailed walkthrough of the ship’s progress, highlighting advancements in accommodation areas, technical spaces, and cargo facilities.
Insulation and outfitting updates
Fire boundary and thermal insulation are now complete in the crew and passenger accommodation areas, the wheelhouse, and the passenger lounge. Across all of these spaces, ongoing work includes the installation of electric cabling, ventilation systems, and piping. Internal bulkhead panels are now being fitted in the lounge, and en-suite units are positioned and mounted in the accommodation areas.
Engineering and technical progress
The engine room has received its first coat of paint. Key machinery is in place including main engines, gearboxes, auxiliary generators, pumps, valves and pipework. Hydrostatic testing of the fuel and fire system piping has been completed with no leaks.
HPU room
In the HPU room, painting is complete and the space is now ready for the upcoming installation of the hydraulic power units, electrical control systems and starter cabinets.
Cargo deck
Painting of the deck in the upper cargo hold is now complete. Outfitting continues with piping, ventilation and electrical systems being installed.
A major milestone as megablock 05 is erected with the rest of Scillonian’s hull structure in the building dock, expertly lifted into place by the Goliath crane.
This impressive block is made up of four units spanning three floors of passenger areas – lower and upper aft passenger lounges with cafés, and a shade deck at the top with covered outdoor seating, which is set to be a stunning spot to relax on board!
A major milestone was reached last week as Megablock 3, weighing 75 tonnes, was successfully re-erected onto the hull of Scillonian IV.
Made up of six smaller units, this section had been removed to make way for the installation of key components including the main engines and gearboxes. While dockside, it also underwent blasting and internal painting before being lifted back into place.
This impressive block will form the forward passenger lounges across multiple decks, as well as the elevator shaft.
The build is progressing rapidly – more updates coming soon!