Scillonian III ferry all set for 'final season'

The Scillonian III connects the islands to the mainland

Final preparations are under way for the Scillonian III ferry to start sailing to the Isles of Scilly next month on what could be her last season.

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

Senior managers at the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG) have said the ferry was now 48 years old and it was now time to look forward.

Her replacement, the Scillonian IV, and a new cargo vessel were both under construction in Vietnam and were scheduled to enter service in the spring of 2026.

The Scillonian IV has special stabilisation technology to offer smoother sailing

The Scillonian III has made the 36 mile (58km) journey from Penzance harbour to St Mary's harbour on the Isles of Scilly more than 10,000 times.

The ferry has travelled over 388,500 nautical miles and carried over five million passengers since entering service in 1977.

However, the 223ft (68m) ship, which sails between March and November, has experienced some mechanical issues.

'Completely overhauled'

An engine problem meant she had to operate on half power for a few days in September 2024 and journey times were increased from two hours 45 mins to four hours.

The crane that lifts cargo into the hold also broke last year and mobile cranes were brought in to the quays in Penzance and St Mary's.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group CEO Stuart Reid said he hoped their problems were behind them.

"The crane has been completely overhauled and the engine has been tested and everything is looking good for the first sailing," he said.

The wheelhouse of the Scillonian IV will be added to the superstructure soon

The interior of the Scillonian IV's wheelhouse

The Scillonian IV and the cargo vessel Menawethan were under construction at the French boatbuilder Piriou's shipyard in Vietnam.

Both were scheduled to start service next spring but CEO Stuart Reid was remaining cautious.

"All of the hull blocks are now in place for the Menawethen and around 75% are in place for Scillonian IV," he said.

"Shipbuilding is a complex process, we remain on track but there are a number of challenges to come, including delivery of the vessels from Vietnam under their own steam which is likely to take up to 50 days."

The cargo vessel Menawethen is taking shape in the shipyard in Vietnam

The new passenger vessel will have a 24% higher capacity of 600 and stabilisation technology to make her more comfortable in heavy seas.

The cargo vessel Menawethen will replace the old Gry Maritha - she is named after one of the 12 uninhabited Eastern Isles.

She will have an increased cargo capacity and more space for chilled and frozen goods.