Menawethan begins sea trials in Vietnam

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s new purpose-built freight vessel, Menawethan, has successfully entered the sea trials phase in Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in the ship’s construction.

Sea trials are a critical stage in the build programme, during which the vessel’s performance, manoeuvrability, propulsion and onboard systems are rigorously tested at sea to ensure they meet design specifications and international standards.

Gry Maritha Master Tom Sexton and Technical Superintendent Luke Parnell have travelled to Vietnam for the sea trials, in collaboration with Piriou shipyard and the classification society, Lloyds Register.

Menawethan will sail from the shipyard down the Nha Be river to Vung Tau. The sea trials will be conducted off the coast of Vung Tau in the South China Sea, within 20 miles of the shore.

Following the successful completion of sea trials, Menawethan will undergo final fit-out and certification before making her delivery voyage to the UK ahead of entry into service.

Stuart Reid, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said: “The commencement of sea trials represents an important step towards bringing Menawethan into service later this year. The vessel has been designed specifically to meet the needs of the islands, and we are pleased to see her performing well at this crucial stage.”

Once complete, Menawethan will provide a modern, reliable and resilient freight service for the Isles of Scilly, replacing Gry Maritha to deliver essential goods and supplies to the islands year-round.

The state-of-the-art vessel includes a range of improvements, including a much-enhanced cargo capacity and an improved capacity for perishable, chilled and frozen goods, meaning that supplies can be transferred between the mainland and the islands more reliably all year round. It will also have a passenger lounge with accommodation for 12 passengers.

Menawethan has been designed with improved operational efficiency and modern safety features, ensuring it is well suited to serve the unique requirements of the Isles of Scilly for decades to come.

It is being constructed alongside Scillonian IV, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s new passenger vessel, which is scheduled to enter service in 2027. Together, the two new vessels represent a £40m investment in the future of the islands’ lifeline transport links, ensuring modern, resilient and fit-for-purpose freight and passenger services for the Isles of Scilly.