New vessels update | July 2026
Welcome to the latest New Vessel Replacement project update. It has been a landmark period for the programme, with Menawethan joining the fleet and entering service, while Scillonian IV reaches another significant milestone as she completes sea trials and moves into the final phase of commissioning ahead of delivery.
Menawethan arrival in Penzance
On Thursday 18th June, Menawethan arrived in Penzance for the first time, completing a two-month delivery voyage from Vietnam. Following legal handover procedures, the vessel officially joined the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group fleet. Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) inspections, crew training and final preparations took place ahead of the vessel entering service.
Menawethan’s first trip to St Mary’s
Menawethan sailed to the Isles of Scilly for the first time on Saturday 20th June, giving islanders their first opportunity to see the vessel alongside in St Mary’s. Designed to improve capacity, resilience and reliability, the vessel offers significantly enhanced cargo capability, improved facilities for chilled and frozen goods, heavy-lift capability and accommodation for up to 12 passengers.
Crew familiarisation and training continued throughout the following weeks, with crew members undertaking operational training and completing Pilotage Exemption Certificates (PECs) to ensure a safe and smooth transition into service.
Menawethan community tours
Menawethan's naming ceremony
Menawethan entering service
The vessel officially entered service on Monday 13th July, completing her inaugural freight sailing and beginning regular operations between Penzance and St Mary’s. During her introduction into service, Menawethan will be working alongside Gry Maritha as part of a carefully managed transition period. This phased approach will help ensure a smooth handover as Menawethan begins her role serving the islands.
Scillonian IV sea trials
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.
Scillonian IV departed the shipyard in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday 14th July and made her way down the Nhà Bè river into the South China Sea in preparation for sea trials off the coast of Vung Tau. She spent the week conducting speed and operational trials as well as testing key pieces of onboard machinery such as deployment of anchors and safety boats.
Scillonian III Master Joe Whetton, Technical Superintendent Luke Parnell and Engineer Jonathan Jackman joined the project team in Vietnam to witness the trials, in collaboration with Piriou shipyard and the classification society, Lloyds Register. This also commences the start of the familiarisation process for Scillonian IV.
New vessels project manager Chris Lingham said: “Scillonian IV is found to be a comfortable and quiet vessel that rides the sea well. She is not only looking great but is exceeding expectations with her performance.”
Scillonian IV will now undergo final fit-out and certification before making her delivery voyage to the UK ahead of entry into service.
New commissioning manager for Scillonian IV
As Commissioning Manager, Brian is based in Vietnam and plays a key role in the final stages of the Scillonian IV build. Working closely with the project team, shipyard, Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), classification society and specialist contractors, he oversees vessel commissioning, testing and inspections to ensure the ship is built to specification and meets all regulatory requirements.
Day to day, Brian monitors build progress, verifies the quality of workmanship, coordinates system testing and helps ensure the vessel remains on schedule and within budget ahead of delivery. His role is critical in preparing Scillonian IV for service and ensuring she is ready to provide a reliable, modern passenger link between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.
Scillonian IV build update
Scillonian IV continues to make good progress as commissioning, testing and final inspections advance across the vessel.
Service engineers have carried out commissioning work on the main engines and have tested the electric propulsion system together with the power take out function, including alarms and shutdown functions. These were tested further during sea trials.
Additional vessel systems were tested prior to sea trials. These included the fin stabilisers, bow thrusters, steering gear, telegraph and watertight doors. Good progress is being made with the vessels remote monitoring and control system (IPMS) with yard engineers and the IPMS commissioning engineer working together with the site team to carry out extensive testing of the alarm system.
Final inspections are taking place throughout, including painting inspections in technical and machinery spaces such as the auxiliary room, sewage treatment room, bow thruster room and cargo hold areas. Electrical inspections are being completed in the wheelhouse, engine control room, workshops, passenger areas and technical rooms.
Interior outfitting work continues within the café and passenger lounges, where final finishes are being completed.
Once complete, Scillonian IV will carry up to 600 people, a 24% increase on current levels, whilst reducing journey times. It features roll and pitch reduction systems to enhance passenger comfort, and its utilising modern propulsion technologies will improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The New Vessel Replacement project represents the largest investment in the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s history. Together, Menawethan and Scillonian IV will strengthen the long-term resilience of the islands’ lifeline transport links while providing improved reliability, greater capacity, enhanced environmental performance and a better customer experience for residents, businesses and visitors.