Celebrations as new freight ship officially named Menawethan

A proud new chapter in the history of the Isles of Scilly took place today as the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s new freight vessel, Menawethan, was officially named.

Held against the backdrop of the islands she has been built to serve, the special ceremony brought together community representatives, stakeholders and invited guests to celebrate the arrival of the vessel that will play a vital role in supporting island life for generations to come.

At the heart of the ceremony was the time-honoured maritime tradition of formally naming the ship. The honour was carried out by Lord Lieutenant Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, who named Menawethan on behalf of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group.

The moment marked the culmination of years of planning, design and construction and signified the vessel’s formal entry into service for the islands.

Ian Howard, Chair of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said: “Today was a truly special milestone for the Isles of Scilly and a moment we have been waiting for for many years. This vessel represents a major investment in the future of our lifeline services, but more than that, she belongs to the community.

“To celebrate this alongside so many special guests, and to have Menawethan named in such a fitting and traditional way, made today incredibly meaningful for us all.”

Purpose-built to meet the unique needs of the islands, Menawethan will provide a modern, efficient and dependable freight service, ensuring the continued flow of essential goods that underpin everyday life across the Isles of Scilly.

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 have the ability to carry 12 passengers in a dedicated lounge, providing a year-round transport link.

It is designed to improve reliability in all seasons, ensuring essential supplies continue to reach the islands when they are needed most.

It was constructed at Piriou’s shipyard in Ho Chi Minh 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.