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Find out the latest updates and more in depth information from our experts on Scillonian IV and Menawethan.

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Machinery and technical spaces

Installation of machinery, equipment, piping, valves, and ducting is ongoing in the engine room, auxiliary room, and technical spaces. The rudder trunks and outer stern tubes have been installed. The Hull Vane has been lifted into place and is now being welded to the transom. The two hydraulic gangway davits have been fitted onboard.

Hull and painting progress

Work on the underwater hull is progressing well, with blasting and first coat painting continuing despite weather challenges. Almost all flat bottom areas and turn of bilge have received their first coat, and the bow megablock (MB-06), which remains on the dockside, is 75% painted internally, with just the lower forward hold remaining. The external passenger side doors and the emergency evacuation doors (MES System) have been fitted into the hull.

Passenger and crew areas and interiors

Installation of floating floors and cabling in the deck 3 lounge is progressing well. Framing to support bulkhead panels and window boxes is ongoing on deck 4. Ventilation trunking installation continues in the wheelhouse. Crew accommodation areas, floors and bulkheads, are also being prepared for outfitting.

Quality checks and quality and interiors

Piriou is actively working though the schedule of inspections and testing, addressing any outstanding items identified by the site team, and Lloyd’s Register, with ongoing inspections to ensure workmanship and compliance with specifications remain at the highest standard.

Electrical and cabling

Work continues throughout the vessel with electric cabling in the engine control room and main switchboard, auxiliary room, passenger and crew areas and up to the wheelhouse.

Next steps

Detailed design reviews and plan approval are nearing completion. Production and outfitting work onboard will step up from November after  Menawethan has launched and more Piriou labour force will move onto Scillonian IV.


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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.


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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.



In this episode, we sit down with Arjen Barendse from Hull Vane to discuss the innovative technology being installed on Scillonian IV, exploring how it works, the benefits it brings for fuel efficiency and sustainability, and the improvements it will deliver for passenger comfort and our operations. Tune in to learn more about how Hull Vane is helping shape the future of travel to the Isles of Scilly.


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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.

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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.


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In this issue, we’re pleased to share a conceptual look into Scillonian IV, created by design specialists. These concepts help visualise the overall look and feel of the vessel’s interior as we reach a key stage in development, moving from initial ideas towards final designs, materials, and finishes. They illustrate the vision for passenger lounges, café areas, and other key spaces on board.

During his visit to the furniture manufacturing factory in Ho Chi Minh, Stuart Reid reviewed interior materials being prepared for fit-out and provided feedback on elements that were well received by the shipyard. The factory, renowned for superyacht outfitting, showcased the high-quality construction and materials being deployed for the vessel.

The discussions and feedback from this visit will guide the next stage of development, helping ensure the interiors achieve the right balance of comfort, style, and functionality for passengers.


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In May we welcomed Luke Parnell as our new Technical Superintendent, playing a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the maintenance of our vessels.

Chief Executive Stuart Reid said:

“Luke’s familiarity with our current vessels and operations, as well as experience with new builds, will be a real asset for the future.”

Earlier this month, Luke visited Piriou’s shipyard in Vietnam to familiarise himself with Scillonian IV and Menawethan. He will return at the end of August for a two-week period, providing cover for Chris and Peter during their annual leave.

During this visit, Luke will oversee key stages of progress. On Scillonian IV, he expects to see the completion of welding installation and integrity testing of the starboard fin stabiliser, as well as the final inspection of Void 1 before it is sealed for the next five years. He will also check on the installation of the floating floor on Deck 2, which is on course to be completed during his time in the yard. The main gearbox preliminary alignment should also be finalised, with full alignment scheduled once the vessel is afloat.

On Menawethan, Luke will attend the final inspection of the propellers and tailshafts, while advanced systems testing continues. Both the compressed air system and the sewage vacuum system are due to be presented for inspection by Owners and Class. Inspections of the anchor chain locker and pallet lift are also planned. Externally, the final topcoat of hull paintwork should be completed during his stay.



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!