New vessels
Project timeline
In 2019, we commenced our new vessels replacement project.
Over the last 5 years we have worked with the community, stakeholders, project partners, naval architects and shipbuilders, to refine designs. Follow our progress as we build our two new vessels, which will be brought into service in 2026.
New vessels timeline
2025
22 April
Progress on Scillonian IV in April has been making great strides. Units 8.2, 10, and 18 have been successfully erected dockside, while the engine room has been rotated and lowered into the dock for integration. Fabrication work has commenced in the workshop on units 19 and 11. Additionally, outfitting activities are now underway in both the technical and the engine room.
2025
22 April
Progress on Menawethan in April has included the installation of the port outer stern tube and sea grids. Preparation work continues in the Captain’s cabin for fitting bulkhead panels. The hull draft marks were accurately confirmed using a laser theodolite and have now been welded in place. Additionally, painting is currently underway in the steering gear compartment.
2025
March
Menawethan now resembles a complete ship, with all hull blocks fully integrated in the building dock. On 12th March 2025 the final hull block, unit 14, was erected with the hull in the dock. With the steel construction of Menawethan’s hull and super structure largely complete, work is now ongoing with outfitting. Machinery is increasingly arriving at the shipyard, including the main engines, generators and propeller shaft line.
2025
March
Construction of Scillonian IV is progressing steadily, with most units either completed or underway. Outfitting work is progressing well, with the installation of stairs, guardrails, mooring equipment, machinery foundations, floorplate supports, electrical preparations, ventilation ducting and piping. Blasting and painting of tanks and void spaces is also now underway.
2025
7 February
Scillonian IV's hull block integration continues, with piping, staircases, and handrails being installed. Lower fender sections are ready, the aluminium wheelhouse nears completion, and work advances on the aluminium accommodation units. On Menawethan, the completed hull block is in the building dock. The tunnel thrusters and motors are already located within the bow section of the vessel, with fabrication of the thruster tunnels is underway.
2025
17 January
Our project team has been hard at work travelling across Europe for factory acceptance tests (FATs) on critical components, including engines and electrical systems. These tests ensure everything is functioning as it should before being shipped to the yard in Vietnam.
2024
28 November
This week the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Lloyd’s Register visited the yard to conduct a routine inspection, pipe fabrication has begun for both vessels, and unit 15 of Scillonian IV was moved into the building dock for assembly.
2024
6 November
The official ‘birth date’ for our two new vessels has been marked with a Keel Laying Ceremony. This significant milestone in the build process has been recognised for centuries as the official ‘birth’ of any new ship.
2024
October
We announced our new freight vessel will be named Menawethan, after one of the 12 uninhabited Eastern Isles and the design has been developed to incorporate a blue exterior to be in keeping with our existing fleet.
2024
September
Photos showing the cargo vessel hull block construction process in September.
2024
September
Photos showing Scillonian IV hull block construction process for unit 7 in September.
2024
July
Photos showing the cargo vessel hull block construction process in July.
2024
25 June
Building work is officially underway on our new passenger and freight vessels, with the first steel for the new ships being cut during a special ceremony at Piriou’s shipyard in Vietnam.
2024
May
Our CEO,Stuart Reid, and members of the New Vessels Project team have been in France with our partners and ship builder Piriou, this month.
2024
22 May
We held our first community engagement event in Penzance for mainland businesses and residents to learn more about our new vessels project.
2024
18 January
Contracts are signed with Piriou securing the long-term future of passenger travel and freight services to and from the Isles of Scilly.
2023
November
We held a series of community events on every island for Isles of Scilly businesses and residents to learn more about our new vessels project.
2023
September
Piriou visit the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group and take tours on Scillonian III and Gry Maritha.
2023
13 September
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group named Piriou as its preferred shipbuilder to build and deliver two new vessels.
2023
18 April
Isles of Scilly Steamship Group announces private funding solution for delivery of three new vessels.
2023
March
Government informs Council of the Isles of Scilly that the Department for Transport intends to take the lead on the Isles of Scilly Sea Links project.
2023
March
Government rejects revised proposal.
2023
January
Project partners meet with Government to discuss revised proposal.
2022
August
Government rejects full business case.
2022
June
Council of the Isles of Scilly submits full business case for Levelling Up Funding to UK Government.
2022
January
Project partners meet with Government to discuss the urgent need to commence the build of three new vessels.
2021
December
Feedback results from new vessel exhibition.
2021
October
UK Government confirms conditional £48m Levelling Up Fund offer to Council of the Isles of Scilly for new vessels and harbour improvements as part of Autumn Budget announcement.
2021
October
Steamship Group stages public exhibition about new vessels with feedback sought.
2021
June
Council of the Isles of Scilly submits Levelling Up Fund outline business case to Government for replacement vessels and other improvements based on work by the Isles of Scilly Transport Board.
2021
April
Council approaches Steamship Group and partners to submit Levelling up Fund application which is supported by the Isles of Scilly Transport Board.
2020
July
Steamship Group carries out consultation with Isles of Scilly residents about preferred options for new vessels.
2020
January
Naval architects BMT appointed by Steamship Group to advise on new vessel designs.
2019
November
Isles of Scilly Steamship Group establishes Marine Asset Replacement Committee to guide vessel replacement project.
