Scilly ferry service scrapped without single trip

The Atlantic Wolff had sea trials but made no passenger crossings to the islands

The bosses of a new ferry service between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly have pulled the service before it made a single journey.

Scilly Ferries was due to begin sailings from Penzance to the islands on 20 August, following multiple delays to its start date.

Owners Harland and Wolff said that following an assessment of its operations, the service was identified as being "overly ambitious given current circumstances".

Russell Downs, Harland & Wolff’s interim executive chair, said: “We understand that this will be difficult news for those affected directly and for the people of the Isles of Scilly and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and uncertainty caused."

The company said that the decision was made because of "the need for Harland & Wolff to refocus on its core business activities".

Mr Downs reassured Isles of Scilly residents that Harland & Wolff Marine Services, which provided freight between the mainland and the islands would continue.

Isles of Scilly councillor Steve Sims said the scrapped plans would have offered trips from the islands during the mornings and return to them late afternoon.

"It would've broadened what we could've done and I think there will be a lot of people disappointed, but I think a lot of people won't be surprised."

Scilly Ferries was due to begin sailings from Penzance to the islands later this month

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG), which has operated shipping to and from the island for more than 100 years, said it was "well equipped to respond to the needs of islanders and the visitor market".

Stuart Reid, CEO of ISSG, said: “We have already added a number of double sailings for Scillonian III throughout August and our forward-planning has meant that there is capacity on our services to ensure customers are able to get to their destination.”

He added: “Providing the services we do is a responsibility we don’t take lightly, and knowledge of the route and passenger market is vital to the success of any operation.”

'Unwelcome news'

Andrew George, the MP for West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said it was "disappointing".

He said: "There are a number of operators and transport services to the Isles of Scilly and I think having a new one indicates, I think, the health of the services to the Isles of Scilly so it's disappointing when someone who can offer a different deal to passengers pulls out in this way.

"This news today is unwelcome because I think it would've assisted in many ways and would've provided the islanders with a range of options which I think would have been welcome."