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.