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Cargo ship launch is 'truly special milestone'

Christine Butler,Cornwalland
Charlotte Cox,South West
News imageThe Isles of Scilly Steamship Group A large blue vessel heads towards the Isles of Scilly across blue waters with boats and land seen in the background The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group
The "purpose-built" Menawethan is replacing its predecessor the Gry Maritha

The official naming ceremony of a modern freight vessel connecting the Isles of Scilly with Cornwall is a "special milestone" for communities off the South West peninsula, its operator said.

The "purpose-built" 45m (148ft) long Menawethan will replace its predecessor Gry Maritha, a cargo ship which sailed the route for nearly four decades, but which, in latter years, was hit by technical issues, failed deliveries and delays.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG) said the vessel was designed to "improve reliability in all seasons".

Ian Howard, chairman of the group, said the ship represented "major investment" in the future of services, but "more than that, she belongs to the community".

News imageA man in uniform of black and red with a hat holds a microphone in front of a woman holding the vessel's rope while to their right are bystanders holding phones and cameras, with the sea in the background.
The naming, carried out by Lord Lieutenant Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho

Howard added: "Today was a truly special milestone for the Isles of Scilly and a moment we have been waiting for for many years.

"To celebrate this alongside so many special guests, and to have Menawethan named in such a fitting and traditional way, made today incredibly meaningful for us all."

The Menawethan underwent sea trials in Vietnam before making the long trip to Cornwall, where it will be sailing between Penzance and the islands about 28 miles (45km) off the British mainland.

Because of political instability in the region the Suez Canal, it had to travel around the Cape of Good Hope on the southern tip of Africa, adding several weeks to the journey time.

News imageA large blue vessel branded Menawethan Scilly is seen in the sea with a blue sky behind it, flags across its deck and a harbour seen to the left
The Menawethan was constructed at Piriou's shipyard in Ho Chi Minh City

The naming, carried out by Lord Lieutenant Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, was the culmination of years of "planning, design and construction", said the ISSG.

The Menawethan - named after an uninhabited island in the archipelago - would provide a "modern, efficient and dependable" freight service, ensuring the "continued flow of essential goods that underpin everyday life across the Isles of Scilly".

It said the vessel featured:

  • Enhanced cargo capacity
  • Boosted space for perishable, chilled and frozen goods
  • A lounge for 12 passengers open year-round
News imageScilly Steamship Group The Gry Maritha, with a blue base and white cabin, is seen approaching from the right with the sea beyond. Scilly Steamship Group
The Gry Maritha is now up for sale, alongside outgoing passenger vessel Scilonian III

The Menawethan was constructed at Piriou's shipyard in Ho Chi Minh City, alongside the Scillonian IV - the new passenger vessel replacing Scillonian III - which is due to enter service in 2027.

The vessels combined were the result of £40m investment, the group said.

St Mary's harbourmaster Dale Clarke was on board for the celebration, while stakeholders and other guests also attended the ceremony.

Meanwhile, the Gry Maritha, built in Norway in 1981, and the Scillonian III, which came into service in 1977, have been put up for sale.

The ISSG said the outgoing vessels had been "woven into the fabric of island life and hold a very special place in the hearts of many".

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