New Vessels Update | May
We’re excited to share the latest update on our new vessels programme, as progress continues to take shape in Vietnam. Construction is advancing steadily, with key milestones being reached as our new fleet continues to come to life. In this edition, we will highlight the recent developments and give you a glimpse of what’s next as we work towards delivering these important vessels.
Scillonian IV launch
On March 28th, we reached a major construction milestone with the successful launch of Scillonian IV. The float-out marked the vessel’s first contact with water which is a defining moment in the build programme and a significant step towards entry into service.
The launch represents a pivotal transition, moving Scillonian IV from a major construction project into a working vessel entering the final stages of completion.
The carefully managed launch process involved flooding the dock and floating the ship out of the gates, allowing her to be towed to the outfitting berth. The process began in the early hours of the morning to align precisely with the high tide, ensuring a smooth delivery.
Sam Hicks, islander and Isles of Scilly Steamship Group Board Member, watched the launch at the shipyard in Vietnam. He said: “The launch of Scillonian IV marked a major milestone in a project that has been years in the making. Seeing her float for the first time and emerge from dry dock into the river was a powerful moment not just for the project team, but for everyone who cares deeply about the lifeline service to the Isles of Scilly.”
Scillonian IV will now progress through outfitting and sea trials, ahead of her delivery voyage back to the UK later this year.
Menawethan begins delivery journey
Menawethan is now six weeks into her delivery journey having left Vitetnam on Friday 27th March. She arrived at Walvis Bay on Wednesday 6th May at 14:15 on the west coast of Africa.
Menawethan is crewed by a team of six from a specialist delivery company. The full journey to Penzance is expected to take around 72 days, weather permitting.
The voyage has already included stops at Port Louis, Mauritius, Cape Town, Walvis Bay (Namibia), and has one further planned stop at Tenerife. Menawethan will then make a final call at Piriou’s shipyard in Concarneau, France, before continuing on to Penzance.
While in Concarneau, Menawethan will undergo a deep clean and paint touch up, following her 2 month, 12,500-mile voyage. As well as this, there will be some technical input from a few Europe-based suppliers ahead of final testing and acceptance of the remaining items, prior to delivery of the vessel to us in Penzance.
You can follow Menawethan’s journey every step of the way as she sails closer to Penzance. We are sharing regular updates from along her voyage on our dedicated vessel tracker page. Further details on arrival in Penzance to be confirmed nearer the time.
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group will not take formal ownership of Menawethan until final contractual and legal procedures have been completed with the vessel in Penzance. Menawethan will then undergo a survey by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which is a legal requirement, as well as crew training and sea trials. We look forward to welcoming Menawethan into the Isles of Scilly.
Stuart Reid and Sam Hicks in Vietnam
Chief Executive Stuart Reid and Sam Hicks, ISSG board member and islander, travelled to Ho Chi Minh City to witness the launch of Scillonian IV and Menawethan’s departure.
Stuart said: “The launch of Scillonian IV is a hugely exciting and proud moment for everyone involved in the project. Seeing the vessel float for the first time brings years of hard work and expertise to life.
“This is a pivotal and highly symbolic step towards delivering a ferry that will strengthen connectivity and provide a resilient, reliable service for the Isles of Scilly for the next generation of passengers.
“Seeing Menawethan begin her journey home is a hugely proud moment for everyone involved in the project.
“This voyage represents the final step in bringing a vessel that has been carefully designed to meet the long-term freight needs of the Isles of Scilly into service. We look forward to welcoming her into Penzance in the coming weeks.”
Scillonian IV hull painting
The painting of the hull and topsides on Scillonian IV is now completed. Final inspections have been carried out by the site team, alongside the yard’s quality control manager for painting and the representative from the international paint supplier.
The black underwater areas includes five coats of paint, totalling a minimum dry film thickness of 700 microns, with the final two coats being anti-fouling paint. Anti-fouling paint is applied to a ship’s underwater areas to reduce marine growth on the hull. This prevents significant drag and helps the vessel maintain operating speed with maximum fuel efficiency.
The topsides of the hull are painted white, totalling four coats of paint with a minimum DFT of 360 microns.
Chris Lingham, New Vessel Project Manager, said: “Scillonian IV looks great in her livery, complete with the swish logo painted on the bow of the vessel, maintaining Steamship Company’s heritage whilst representing sleek and modern styling.”Menawethan Naming Ceremony
Wednesday 8th July 2026
We are pleased to share the date of the official naming ceremony of our new freight vessel, Menawethan.
You are invited to join us on St Mary’s Quay on Wednesday 8th July 2026 from 2pm to mark this milestone moment and officially welcome her to our fleet.
Further details will be shared soon. For now, we hope you’ll join us in saving the date for this special occasion.