By
Kasturi Datta |
After almost five decades of service between Penzance and Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall, UK, Scillonian III has commenced its final season of sailing. The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group will replace the ship with Scillonian IV – currently under construction at the Piriou shipyard in Vietnam – in March 2027.
Scillonian III has carried over five million passengers to the Isles of Scilly during its service and provided significant support for the economy and tourism industry across the islands.
“Scillonian III has served the islands with distinction for 49 years, and while we look forward to Scillonian IV, we know how fondly Scillonian III is regarded by so many,” said Stuart Reid, CEO of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group.
Scillonian IV’s introduction is part of the group’s £40 million (around $53 million) investment programme focused on modernising passenger freight services for the islands.
The 600-passenger ship features include roll and pitch reduction systems and modern propulsion technologies to improve passenger comfort, reduce environmental impact and increase overall efficiency of the ship.
Scillonian III will continue to operate through 2026 and further details about the ship’s service commemoration will be shared in due course.