New Vessels Update | June Newsletter

25 June 2025

Introduction

Welcome to the 13th edition of our New Vessels newsletter – a special update marking one year since construction began on Scillonian IV and Menawethan.

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.

Since our last update two months ago, progress has continued at pace. With so much to share, we’re introducing our new-look newsletter to help you follow each step of the project more clearly.

In this edition, we’re looking ahead to the next major milestones – but first, we take a look back at the timeline that’s shaped an extraordinary first year of construction .

A year in construction – key milestones

June 2024

The first steels for both ships were cut in a special ceremony attended by senior company executives for ISSG and Piriou.

CGI image of Menawethan - Isles of Scilly Steamship Group new freight vessel

October 2024

The winning name for the new cargo vessel was revealed as Menawethan, as voted for by the Isles of Scilly community.

Keel laying ceremony for Scillonian IV and Menawethan - Photo 15

November 2024

Keel-laying for both vessels takes place, marking the official birth date of the ships. As part of the occasion, a coin was laid in the keel of the vessel, which is a shipbuilding tradition.

Menawethan - New vessels - latest photos 05 - February 2025

January 2025

Six months into the project and construction was moving full steam ahead. Scillonian IV’s hull is 40% complete, while Menawethan’s is 70% fabricated.

April 2025

Ten months in, and all hull blocks for Menawethan had been integrated and all units for Scillonian IV’s hull construction (excluding the cargo hatches and bow bulwark) were either constructed or under construction.

What’s happening next?

Things are constantly progressing at pace over in Vietnam and over the next few months, members of our senior management and marine operations teams will be heading out as the build progresses.

July 2026

Next month, Scillonian III Master, Dave Redgrave, will travel to Vietnam for his first look at our new passenger ferry. As one of the two Masters who will lead the vessel into service, alongside fellow Master Victoria Bolitho, Dave’s visit will allow him to begin familiarising himself with the ship ahead of its completion. It’s an exciting milestone that brings us one step closer to welcoming our new vessel into service.

August 2026

CEO Stuart Reid, with integral members of our senior management and new vessel teams, will be heading out to Vietnam for a key phase in the vessel build – reviewing interior elements including lighting, flooring, and seating layouts for the passenger lounges and café areas. These final touches that will help shape the onboard experience for future passengers.

Recent news bites

In case you missed it, here’s a recap of our updates since our last newsletter in April.

Electrical contractor IPE visit for Scillonian IV - 01 - May 2025

Inspecting electrical distribution cabinets and consoles

Chris Lingham visited IPE’s factory in Vietnam to inspect the manufacture of electrical cabinets and consoles for our new vessels. Joined by Piriou’s electrical quality control manager, the visit ensured quality checks, specification compliance, and any final input before delivery to the shipyard. IPE is also building the wheelhouse consoles for both vessels, and we’re proud to work with expert partners on this programme.

Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) of key electrical systems

Chris also visited Concarneau, France to oversee Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) for key electrical systems on Scillonian IV. The tests covered major components like the hybrid propulsion motors, switchboards, bow thrusters and the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) — all vital to ensuring the vessel’s future safe and efficient operation. Another important step forward in keeping the build schedule on track for 2026.

Testing hydraulic power systems – designed and built by Cornwall based Armada Engineering

The essential auxiliary equipment hydraulic power systems, designed and built in Falmouth, Cornwall by Armada Engineering, underwent successful factory testing ahead of shipping to Vietnam and installation on board Scillonian IV and Menawethan.

These systems will power key machinery like the tunnel thrusters, windlass, cargo hold hatch, cargo crane, cargo pallet hoist and side door on Menawthan and the windlass and gangway davits on Scillonian. Our project manager, Chris Lingham, joined representatives from Lloyd’s Register, Piriou and ISSG to witness the Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and confirm performance to specification.

Video updates

Build update

Starboard main engine and gear box installation on Scillonian IV with Peter Broad (site manager)

Podcast

Stuart Reid (ISSG CEO) and Jean-Baptiste (Piriou Shipyard)

In May, we sat down with Stuart Reid and Jean-Baptiste from Piriou Shipyard to discuss the partnership behind this landmark project and how we are working together to create the new vessels tailored to serve the unique needs of the Isles of Scilly community.

Walkthrough

As the Scillonian IV build progresses, project manager Chris Lingham walks us through the various areas of the vessel showing how the vessel is taking shape over in Vietnam.

Build update | Scillonian IV

The steel and aluminium structure of Scillonian IV is now over 95% complete, with all the main hull units fabricated. The cargo hatches, bow bulwark, funnels and radar mast, are all currently under construction in the fabrication workshops.

While the main hull continues to take shape in the building dock, three large mega blocks – MB03, MB05, and the bow megablock are being constructed on the dockside. These blocks, made up of multiple units, have been moved to the dockside to undergo outfitting including piping, ventilation, cable trays, blasting and painting.

MB03 and MB05 will be integrated with the main hull after the installation of the major components of machinery into the engine room. This is made possible via a ‘soft patch’ – a removable section of deck above the machinery space that allows equipment to be craned into place and welded shut after installation.

So far, the following equipment has been successfully installed:

Main engines and gearboxes
Intermediate tailshafts
Venitlation fans and trunking
All three generator sets
Both Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust treatment units
Sewage treatment and vacuum toilet systems
Refrigeration units for cold storage
Air conditioning system
Domestic hot water tanks (calorifiers) and air receivers
Mounting and alignment of these systems is ongoing.

Mounting and alignment of these systems is ongoing.

At the bow, mega block integration is progressing steadily. This block is also being outfitted on the dockside and will be blasted and painted before final integration – scheduled to happen after Menawethan is launched in the autumn, freeing space in the dock.

Substantial progress continues with the manufacture and installation of pipework, cable trays, structural penetrations, and ventilation ducts.

This illustration below shows where dock erection welding has been completed.

Scillonian IV Wheelhouse windows — Wheelhouse windows

Scillonian IV - Main engine being installed — Wheelhouse windows

Windows and portholes

All windows and portholes have been fitted in the crew accommodation areas, and installation of the wheelhouse glazing is progressing rapidly.

Main engines and gearboxes

Over the last couple of weeks, both the port and starboard main engines and gearboxes have been installed, following progress on the forward tail shaft sections.

Blasting and painting

Blasting and painting is now well underway across multiple sections of the vessel. Several units have already been blasted and are ready for coating, while others have completed the full coating and painting process.

Build update | Menawethan

Structural Progress

The steel structure of the vessel is now fully complete, with all units successfully integrated, including the side door for the pallet hoist.

The pallet hoist itself has been erected and inspected by the manufacturer’s service engineer, with final welding work now underway to secure it in place.

This illustration below shows where dock erection welding has been completed.

Menawethan - diagrams showing units assembled and where dock erection welding is complete

Mechanical Installation

The outer stern tubes have been fully installed, and installation work continues on the rudder carriers and bearings. The tunnel thrusters and associated tubes are fully integrated into the hull, marking another key milestone in the propulsion and manoeuvring systems.

Outfitting

All windows and portholes have now been installed throughout the wheelhouse and accommodation areas, adding definition to the vessel’s superstructure.

Menawethan - All the wheelhouse windows have been installed — Wheelhouse windows

Menawethan - Pallet Hoist — Wheelhouse windows

Blasting and Painting

Blasting and painting across tanks, voids, and internal compartments is progressing steadily, with approximately 30% of the internal paintwork now complete. Various units are at different stages, from recently blasted and ready for coating, to fully coated and painted.

Ongoing Systems Work

Significant work is continuing across the vessel on the manufacture and installation of key systems, including piping, cable trays, penetrations, and ventilation ducting, which are critical to bringing all onboard systems online.

The pre-outfitting of the crew accommodation and the passenger lounge areas are also progressing well.

Keep up to date

Keep up to date on the progress of our vessel replacement project across our social media channels and website, where you will find the latest newsletters, podcasts, photos, films and more.

Isles of Scilly Steamship Group – Linked In

Isles of Scilly Travel – Facebook

Isles of Scilly Freight – Facebook

Front view CGI image of Scillonian IV and Menawethan