Isles of Scilly new freight vessel travels from Vietnam to Penzance
The Menawethan will take 72 days to reach Penzance.
A new freight ship for the Isles of Scilly is on its way from Vietnam to Penzance.
The Menawethan, departed the shipyard in Ho Chi Minh yesterday on a journey that is expected to take around 72 days. The route will take the vessel via the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, with four bunker stops en route.
The boat is crewed by a team of six from a specialist delivery company. The voyage will include stops in Port Louis, Mauritius; Walvis Bay, Namibia; and Tenerife before a final call at Piriou’s shipyard in Concarneau, France, and continuing on to Penzance.
The Menawethan is replacing the Gry Maritha and will deliver essential goods and supplies to the islands all-year-round. It features an enhanced cargo capacity and an improved capacity for perishable, chilled and frozen goods, so supplies can be transferred between the mainland and the islands more reliably. The vessel will also have the ability to carry 12 passengers in a dedicated lounge.
Stuart Reid, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said: “Seeing Menawethan begin her journey home is a hugely proud moment for everyone involved in the project.
“This voyage represents the final step in bringing a vessel that has been carefully designed to meet the long-term freight needs of the Isles of Scilly into service. We look forward to welcoming her into Penzance in the coming weeks.”
The Menawethan has been constructed alongside the new passenger vessel, the Scillonian IV and will enter service next year.