Keel-Laying Ceremony Held for New Scilly Vessels

A ceremony has taken place to commemorate the “birthdate” of two vessels intended for service on the Penzance to Isles of Scilly routes. The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG) conducted a keel-laying ceremony at the Vietnamese shipyard of French boatbuilder Piriou, signifying the commencement of construction for the Scillonian IV and the cargo ship Menawethan. Within the boat-building sector, the keel-laying event is recognized as the official inception of a vessel, and the ISSG stated it represented a “significant milestone” in the overall project. Both ships are scheduled to commence operations for the crossing in 2026. Representatives from Britain, France, and Vietnam were present at the ceremony last week, among them British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew. The ISSG reported that the Scillonian IV will accommodate 600 passengers, an increase of 24% compared to its predecessor, and will incorporate stabilization technology to enhance passenger comfort during voyages. The Menawethan is designated to supersede the Gry Maritha and derives its name from one of the 12 uninhabited eastern islands belonging to the Isles of Scilly. Judith Piper, the chief financial officer for ISSG, commented: “Our new vessels have been specifically designed to serve the route between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.” She added: “They will improve passenger experience and significantly increase capacity and reliability.”