New vessels timeline
The project so far…
November 2019
Project launch
Our new vessel project started in November 2019 when we established a Marine Asset Replacement Committee to guide vessel replacement project.
January 2020
Developing designs
We appointed BMT as our naval architects to deliver and advise on new vessel design concepts for the replacement of Scillonian III and Gry Maritha. The design process included consideration of all vessel types including high-speed catamarans and ro-ro vessels. The new vessels will be uniquely suited to the route and will operate with the existing infrastructure.
July 2020
Community consultation
In 2020 we conducted a community survey which asked numerous questions about what is important to islanders regarding the new vessel designs and operation. Having consulted with, and listened to, the community, we found resilience, reliability, journey time and affordability to be the most important factors for future services.
2021
Stakeholder consultation
Further stakeholder consultation followed to finalise the designs and then in June 2021 we announced the new concept design for Scillonian IV and the new cargo vessel to the community. In September 2021 we held a consultation event to listen to islanders’ views and in October 2021 we held a New Vessel Expo where we asked for further feedback from the community.
18 April 2023
Financing
We announced the new vessels will be delivered using private funding which will cover 80% of the project costs. The £40m+ project will be the single biggest investment in the 104-year history of the Company.
13 September 2023
Shipbuilder of choice
We name Piriou as its preferred shipbuilder to build and deliver our new passenger ferry Scillonian IV and cargo vessel Menawethan. Appointing Piriou comes after months of thorough evaluation, technical questioning and site visits to France and Vietnam, as part of the Group’s due diligence processes.
18 January 2024
Contracts signed
Contracts are signed with Piriou securing the long-term future of passenger travel and freight services to and from the Isles of Scilly. The signing of the contracts means that two new ships will be delivered in 2026
25 June 2024
Building starts
Building work is officially underway on our new passenger ferry Scillonian IV and freight vessel Menawethan, with the first steel for the new ships being cut during a special ceremony at Piriou’s shipyard in Vietnam.
6 November 2024
Official ‘birth date’
Our Keel laying ceremony was attended by dignitaries and marked the official ‘birth date’ for our two new vessels. This significant milestone in the build process has been recognised for centuries as the official ‘birth’ of any new ship and is an important point in time for the Scillonian IV passenger ferry and the cargo vessel, Menawethan.
17 January 2025
Factory acceptance tests
Our project team has been hard at work travelling across Europe for factory acceptance tests (FATs) on critical components, including engines and electrical systems. These tests ensure everything is functioning as it should before being shipped to the yard in Vietnam.
17 March 2025
Delivery
Menawethan’s main engine was delivered.
28 March 2025
Building updates
“Ten months into this landmark project, both ships are advancing well. Menawethan’s hull blocks are fully constructed and welded together in the building dock. Scillonian IV’s hull is also progressing steadily, with all units (except the cargo hatches and bow bulwark) either completed or underway. The aluminium wheelhouse and upper passenger lounge have been fabricated, and the wheelhouse was joined to the hull in late February.“
16 May 2025
Delivery
Scillonian IV two main engine were delivered.
25 June 2025
One year since building began
It’s now twelve months since the first steel was cut in Vietnam, marking the launch point for what has become a remarkable shipbuilding journey. Since then, we’ve seen the two vessels really begin to take shape – now, nearly fully integrated vessels, with staircases, pipework, electrical systems, gearboxes, engines and more already in place.