New Ferry Scillonian IV Departs Vietnam for UK
The 75-metre passenger ferry has begun its two-month delivery journey toward the United Kingdom.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Cruises
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The Scillonian IV has departed Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on a two-month transit voyage to the United Kingdom. The 75-metre vessel will replace the aging Scillonian III on the route between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.
Why it matters
This project is part of a £40 million vessel replacement programme designed to improve passenger and freight connections for the Isles of Scilly. The new ship offers updated transport capabilities for residents and visitors traveling to the islands.
The Scillonian IV is a 75-metre vessel with a capacity for 600 passengers. It will undergo a three-week survey at Piriou's shipyard in Concarneau, France, before entering service.
The players
Piriou
Piriou is a French shipbuilding company that will conduct the final survey of the vessel at its shipyard in Concarneau.
The details
A specialist delivery company is currently crewing the ferry, which will travel via the Cape of Good Hope to reach the UK. The ship is slated to arrive in Europe for a final survey in late 2026 before beginning its regular operations.
Timeline
The Scillonian IV departed Ho Chi Minh City on October 31, 2026.
The delivery voyage is expected to be completed in December 2026.
The vessel is scheduled to enter service in March 2027.
Travel Outlook
The introduction of the Scillonian IV reflects the ongoing evolution of regional maritime infrastructure to meet modern passenger demands. This transition away from the Scillonian III aligns with broader efforts to improve seasonal connectivity between the UK mainland and island communities.
Passengers looking to travel between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly should prepare for a modernized experience starting in March 2027. Travelers can expect the new vessel to provide updated freight and passenger capacity on this vital maritime route.
The takeaway
The deployment of the Scillonian IV represents a significant infrastructure investment for the Isles of Scilly. Travelers should watch for official service launch dates in early 2027 to plan their spring journeys accordingly.
Further reading
For more on upcoming maritime travel developments, visit our Cruises section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ireland Afloat.
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