New Scillies ferry *

Travellers who have suffered from the sometimes rolling Scillonian III ferry between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly can look forward to a 21st century ship.

But not until 2024 when then 50-year-old Appledore-built cargo and passenger vessel is probably paid off.

Acting for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, specialist consultancy Blair Reid is currently in contact with 32 shipyards across the UK, Europe and the Far East to acquire Expressions of Interest and identify build costs.  The plan is to begin building in March 2022 and to complete the project in two years.  A new specialised cargo vessel is planned and an inter-island launch, all branded.

Scillonian IV will have anti-roll fins, which work like stabilisers, and will improve the comfort of the crossing.  With speeds of up to 18 knots, a reduction in journey time is expected giving day trippers more island time.

Scillonian IV will be designed to meet IMO tier III emission standards and will use a hybrid battery/engine propulsion system, less noisy for the crossing. The vessel will be quieter within Penzance and St Mary’s harbours.

In the meantime Scillonian III soldiers on.  By air, Penzance Helicopters offer services from Penzance to both St Mary’s and Tresco, and Skybus Twin Otter flights to St Mary’s from Exeter, Land’s End and Newquay airports.

BTN will be reporting on the Isles of Scilly in an upcoming issue.

www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/scillonian-iii

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

Chris Redford, Chelmsford

Shame to see the old ship go, but it's been a great workhorse. Used it many a time during the early 80s when its schedule was daily, but twice a day on Wednesday and Saturday in summer I believe. Hopefully someone will put it to good use and it's not left to rust.

Mary Hope, Plymouth

It’s good to know that the Scillonian is being replaced. About time to.