MENAWETHAN © ISSG

First of two new vessels for ISSG – freight ferry MENAWETHAN launched in Vietnam

FerryThe Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG) marked a major milestone in its GBP 42 million fleet renewal programme on 31 October with the launch of its new freight ferry MENAWETHAN at Piriou’s shipyard in Vietnam.

The 45 m, 1,000 gt vessel—named after one of the uninhabited Isles of Scilly—will replace the 1981-built GRY MARITHA and is the first freight ship designed specifically for the year-round Scilly service. With a 207-tonne cargo capacity (50 t more than its predecessor) and 20% more space for chilled and frozen goods, MENAWETHAN will also include a 12-passenger lounge.

Features include a MacGregor side door and lift, a 60-tonne/12-tonne heavy-lift deck crane, and twin V12 ABC engines giving a service speed of 10 knots. The vessel is now undergoing three months of fitting out and trials, with UK delivery scheduled for May 2026 and entry into service that summer.

ISSG’s renewal plan also includes the 600-passenger SCILLONIAN IV (due March 2027) and new inter-island catamaran LYONESSE LADY II, following the 2023 entry into service of landing craft GUGH.

Nov 03 2025