RE: IOS19 Oct 2023 16:42
This week, members of the Harland & Wolff team returned to the Isles of Scilly to continue community engagement on the company’s plans to build and operate several vessels between Penzance and St Mary’s.
First, we are responding to the Council’s Soft Market Test to design, build, operate new ferries between Penzance and St Mary’s. Our proposal would see the introduction of two Ro-Pax vessels designed for both passengers and freight. The Council’s Sea Links Project is underpinned by £48.4m Levelling Up funding, awarded by government to the islands to enable the vessel replacement programme.
Second, we are introducing a new fast ferry service from May 2024, to increase the number of day trippers to the islands through a faster, more regular, and cheaper service than currently on offer.
Third, following the acquisition of Kraken Marine Services (KMS), we are developing plans to scale both the existing KMS freight offering and develop new scheduled services between the mainland and islands.
Throughout the week, the team was delighted to visit St Mary’s, St Martin’s, St Agnes, Tresco and Bryher to share the current proposals and understand what local people want to see from their future ferry and freight services. A three-day drop-in session was held at the new Harland & Wolff office on St Mary’s, which will serve as the new booking office for the company’s operations.