Menawethan launch – next major milestone
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.