By
Laura Hyde |
UK-based shipbuilder Harland & Wolff plans to build and operate two ferries on the route between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly, as well as one inter-island vessel, from spring 2025.
Harland & Wolff has spent the past three years working on the design and costings for these vessels and, alongside partners, plans to apply for levelling-up funding from the UK government. In total, £48 million ($60.8 million) of the funding has already been allocated to various other organisation to build new vessels in line with the UK government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Harland & Wolff will apply for a licence to operate ferries on the Penzance to Scilly ferry route, either alongside the incumbents or on a stand-alone basis for an initial five-year period. It also wants to add an option to operate the ferries for a further five years if it meets the UK government’s prescribed performance targets.
“We have a large number of colleagues in Appledore and across the group who are vastly experienced in the build and operation of passenger vessels,” said John Wood, group CEO of Harland & Wolff. “In my view, it is clear that, given the current cost of capital, access to and acceptance of levelling-up funding will provide a very cost-competitive model to operate either alongside the incumbents or on a stand-alone basis. This is a fantastic opportunity, and we believe competition on this route is the right thing to ensure value for money for the residents and tourists of the islands.”
The Penzance to Isles of Scilly ferry route is currently serviced by Scillonian III, which is operated by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company and was built at Harland & Wolff Appledore. It is hoped the proposed vessels would offer enhanced onboard facilities and amenities rather than simply being a replacement for the existing vessels.
Harland & Wolff has engaged with relevant stakeholders and will be undertaking a consultation on the islands.