Delivery – ISSG New Vessels

March 2026 – Launch

Scillonian IV will be launched from the dock, beginning the next stage of her build.

June 2026 – Sea trials

A week-long programme of sea trials will take place down the delta to test vessel performance and handling.

July 2026 – Delivery voyage

Scillonian IV will sail under her own power and will begin her journey from Vietnam to Europe. While the original plan was to transit via the Suez Canal, advice from officials due to ongoing instability in the Middle East means the vessel will now travel around the Cape of Good Hope, adding approximately 40 days to her delivery journey.

September 2026 – Arrival in France

Scillonian IV will arrive in France for final preparations ahead of UK delivery.

October 2026 – Arrival in the UK

The vessel will reach the UK to begin berthing trials and crew familiarisation training.

March 2027 – Entry into service

Following successful trials and training, Scillonian IV will enter passenger service, delivering faster, more comfortable, and sustainable travel to the Isles of Scilly.

31st October 2025 – Launch

Menawethan will exit the dock for the first time, marking the start of the final phase of her build.

1st November 2025 – Commissioning begins

Testing and running of the vessel’s systems and equipment will get underway.

January 2026 – Sea trials

A week-long programme of sea trials will take place down the delta to test performance and handling with Steamship crew representatives.

March 2026 – Delivery voyage

Menawethan will begin her journey from Vietnam to Europe.

April 2026 – Arrival in France

The vessel will arrive in France for final preparations ahead of delivery.

May 2026 – Arrival in the UK

Menawethan is due to arrive in the UK ahead of crew familiarisation, training, and final checks before entering service.

On 31st October 2025, Menawethan will make her grand launch – coming afloat for the very first time, marking a huge milestone in her journey. The shipyard is currently working on final preparations for her launch including the last application of paint followed by the removal of scaffolding around her hull.

The launch process will involve flooding the dock and carefully floating Menawethan out of the gates so she can be towed to the outfitting berth. The process is expected to take around four hours and marks the start of the final phase of her build. The undocking will be carried out through the night to coincide with the high tide and less river traffic to disrupt the process.

Menawethan

Following the launch of Menawethan, commissioning of the vessel will begin on 1st November. This process includes running and testing the generator sets, side door, pallet hoist, main engines and propulsion systems, hydraulics and electrical systems, in accordance with the shipbuilding specification and Lloyd’s Register rules. This, with thorough function testing of all systems and equipment, will take approximately three months before she undertakes her week-long sea trials scheduled to take place at the end of January 2026.

The vessel will travel down river to the open sea, near Vung Tau, to demonstrate the full function test of all systems and the ship’s sea keeping performance in the open sea. The commissioning and sea trials process is to ensure everything performs perfectly ahead of preparations for her delivery voyage to the UK via France at the end of March.

Preparations for the launch are well underway. The river in front of the dock entrance gates is being dredged to clear built-up silt and ensure a smooth exit, logos have been applied to the vessel’s hull, and rubber fendering is being fitted.

To document the event, a timelapse and a series of images will be captured to show this exciting moment, giving a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the launch.

Scillonian IV

Once Menawethan is safely floated out, construction work will continue on Scillonian IV in the building dock. Following this, Scillonian IV’s bow megablock will then be placed in the dock for integration, some days after the launching.

This process is a demonstration of precision planning and progress at the yard.

CGI-Scillonian-IV-passenger-ferry-menawethan-freight-vessel-July-2025-1200x800.jpg

At the end of August, we proudly announced the confirmed delivery schedules for our two new vessels – a major milestone in our vessel replacement programme and one of the biggest investments in lifeline transport for the Isles of Scilly.

Menawethan, our new freight vessel, remains on track for delivery in spring 2026.

Scillonian IV, our next-generation passenger ferry, will now enter service in March 2027, offering faster journey times, increased comfort, and enhanced environmental performance. The slight adjustment to her schedule is due to global supply chain factors and the longer delivery route, but with confirmed dates, both vessels are set to deliver modern, reliable, and sustainable transport for the islands for decades to come. A true once-in-a-generation investment.

In the meantime, Scillonian III will continue serving passengers through the 2026 season, with her regular maintenance ensuring she remains dependable while our new vessels are completed.

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Scillonian IV timeline