New Isles of Scilly fast ferry seen in harbour

The vessel is due to start its schedule between Penzance and St Mary's early next week

The new fast ferry which will take passengers between the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall has arrived in Newlyn Harbour.

Atlantic Wolff, a 138ft (42m) catamaran with a top speed of 28 knots and seating for more than 400 people, had been due to start operating in May, but was delayed.

Shipbuilder Harland & Wolff (H&W) said the vessel was due to start its "eagerly awaited" schedule between Penzance and St Mary's early next week after sea trials.

Scilly Ferries, part of the H&W Group, will run up to two return sailings a day into the autumn as the weather permits, said the shipbuilder.

Next year the ferry would operate between April and October, the operator said.

John Wood, chief executive of H&W and Scilly Ferries, said the service was what "the local community has been calling for over many, many years" and would "bring much-needed tourists to the islands and boost the islands' economy".

"We know from meeting people locally there is a huge pent-up demand and I'm looking forward to it being a great success," he said.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, which currently serves the route, is building two new passenger and freight vessels.