One year since building work began on new passenger and freight vessels for Isles of Scilly
Today (June 25th 2025) marks exactly one year since building work officially began on the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s landmark project to bring two new vessels to the lifeline service.
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG), the primary provider of passenger and freight transport to the remote Isles of Scilly, is investing £40m in the passenger and freight vessels, Scillonian IV and Menawethan.
The first steels for the new ships were cut during a ceremony at Piriou’s shipyard in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam on 25th June 2024 – marking the launch of what has become a remarkable shipbuilding journey.
Twelve months later, all hull blocks for Scillonian IV and Menawethan are complete.
Equipment installation is ongoing, and includes intermediate tailshafts; ventilation fans and trunking; sewage treatment and vacuum toilet systems; refrigeration units, air conditioning, domestic hot water tanks and more.
Work is now starting on the interiors of the vessels. Windows have started to be fitted to wheelhouses to make interiors watertight and attention is now turning to the installation of operational piping and staircases.
In another major milestone, Scillonian IV’s gearboxes and engines have been lifted into place this week.
Stuart Reid, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said: “This week we hit another installation milestone with Scillonian IV’s gearboxes and engines being lifted into place through a temporary opening. The gearbox, built in Germany, will reduce shaft speed between the main engine and the controllable pitch propeller, and includes a clutch mechanism allowing the main engine to be disengaged in favour of electric drive – supporting hybrid propulsion and fuel efficiency and be more environmentally efficient.
“Following this, the V12 diesel main engine, manufactured in Belgium by ABC, was lifted into place – the first of two 350-horsepower engines powering the vessel, producing 2652kw of power at 1,000rpm.
“We are proud of the progress that’s been made in a year. Our team, shipbuilders and partners have worked tirelessly to keep the project on track and we are all looking forward to delivering these state-of-the-art ships to serve our passengers and freight customers.”
Scillonian IV and Menawethan are being built by Piriou, and are on schedule to be delivered in 2026 to meet the travel and freight requirements of the Isles of Scilly for generations to come.
The new vessels will feature a range of new technologies, helping to improve resilience, comfort and reliability.
Scillonian IV will carry up to 600 people (a 24% increase on current levels) whilst reducing journey times. It will feature roll and pitch reduction systems, to enhance passenger comfort, and is designed utilising modern propulsion technologies that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The vessel is also designed to integrate further enhancements as technology develops.
Menawethan will also include a range of improvements on the current vessel, 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. The freight vessel will incorporate a passenger lounge with accommodation for 12 passengers.