New Isles of Scilly ferry delayed until 2027

The 2023 designs for the new Scillonian IV showed a sleek, streamlined vessel

The arrival of a new passenger ferry between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has been delayed due to global supply issues, its operator has said.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG) previously said the Scillonian IV would enter service in 2026, replacing 48-year-old Scillonian III.

It said Menawethan, a dedicated freight vessel being built as part of the work, was still due to enter service in 2026.

ISSG said construction of the ships by shipbuilder Piriou was "progressing well" but global supply issues and the expected delivery route via the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa had caused the delay. It added the vessel would not enter service until March 2027.

The vessel came into service in 1977 and has made more than 10,000 trips to the islands.

Funded through private financing, the firm said Scillonian IV would bring "significant improvements" to the passenger experience with quicker journey times, increased capacity, enhanced comfort and fin stabilisers to reduce motion at sea and upgraded onboard facilities.

"The vessel is being built to improved environmental standards with hybrid-ready propulsion and energy-efficient systems," it said.

It added Menawethan was expected to arrive in the UK in May 2026, with a short period of familiarisation, crew training, sea trials and final checks taking place before it enters full service about two months later.

Andrew George, who is the MP for St Ives, labelled the latest news as disappointing

Andrew George, who is the MP for St Ives, said: "It's a disappointment in a catalogue of disappointments.

"Particularly for the islanders themselves, they will be extremely anxious about what has happened with their lifeline service.

"I don't think it portends any withdrawal of service or the fact the ship won't arrive and of course Scillonian III is operating well."

'Community behind us'

Speaking to BBC Radio Cornwall, Stuart Reid, chief executive of ISSG, said the delay was primarily due to two factors, the global supply chain network, with parts coming from Europe and America, and the "political instability in the Middle East".

"As a result of the conflict, it is leading to a tax on vessels transiting through the Suez Canal - the advice from officials at the moment is to avoid this route.

"We're not seeing this as disappointing news however, it's exciting us.

"We now have confirmed delivery dates for both our vessels and the community are still very much behind us and looking forward to these vessels arriving."