New ferry to Isles of Scilly will be a year late, says firm

THE replacement passenger ferry to the Isles of Scilly will come into service a year later than planned because of global supply issues, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG) has announced.

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‘The Scillonian IV is currently under construction at a shipyard in Vietnam, and was due to come into service in 2026.

However, while the new Menawethan dedicated freight vessel remains on track for completion and delivery in spring next year, there have been delays on the passenger ferry.

Last year, ISSG came under fire when it announced its two new ships would be built by a French shipbuilding firm, Piriou, at its Vietnam yards.

At the time, the GMB, a trade union that represents workers, said it was “outraged” that the £42 million contract had not been given to a UK company.