Menawethan – the new freight ship of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group – in Penzance
Menawethan – the new freight ship of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group – was welcomed into Penzance this morning, marking a defining moment for the company and the communities it serves.
Purpose-built to serve the Isles of Scilly for decades to come, Menawethan’s arrival in UK waters signals a renewed commitment to the island communities that depend on a safe, resilient and reliable year-round freight service.
After a two-month delivery journey from Vietnam via the Cape of Good Hope, the vessel’s arrival was a significant moment for all involved.
Stuart Reid, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said: “Menawethan’s arrival into Penzance is a hugely proud moment for the Steamship Group. After years of planning, design and construction, it is fantastic to see her finally arrive in Cornwall.
“This vessel is a major investment in the future of the Isles of Scilly. She will provide greater freight capacity, improved resilience and enhanced facilities for our customers. We will now begin the final phase of crew training and familiarisation before bringing Menawethan into service.”
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group will not take formal ownership of Menawethan until final contractual and legal procedures have been completed in Penzance. Menawethan will then undergo a survey by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which is a legal requirement, as well as crew training and sea trials.
Built with modern capabilities and efficiency at its core, Menawethan will significantly enhance freight operations between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly, replacing Gry Maritha.
The state-of-the-art vessel includes a range of improvements, including a much-enhanced cargo capacity and an improved capacity for perishable, chilled and frozen goods, meaning that supplies can be transferred between the mainland and the islands more reliably all year round. It will have the ability to carry 12 passengers in a dedicated lounge, providing a year-round transport link by sea.
It is designed to improve reliability in all seasons, ensuring essential supplies continue to reach the islands when they are needed most.
Menawethan was constructed at Piriou’s shipyard in Ho Chi Minh alongside Scillonian IV, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s new passenger vessel, which is scheduled to enter service in 2027. Together, the two new vessels represent a £40m investment in the future of the islands’ lifeline transport links, ensuring modern, resilient and fit-for-purpose freight and passenger services for the Isles of Scilly.
Orbit Clipper launch marks new era for sustainable London transport
London, 5 December 2025 – Orbit Clipper, the UK’s first fully electric zero-emissions ferry, has today completed its first passenger trip across the River Thames, ushering in a new era for sustainable transport in London.
The ferry, owned and operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers developed with part funding from the Department for Transport and Innovate UK, was built in conjunction with project partners including high-speed aluminium ship builder, Wight Shipyard Company; maritime civil engineering consultants, Beckett Rankine; and electric infrastructure specialists, Aqua superPower. Orbit Clipper will operate between Rotherhithe on the south of the river and Canary Wharf on the northern side with zero tailpipe emissions, providing an accessible, fast and green service for thousands of Londoners and visitors a day.
A ceremony to mark the launch of the unique vessel was held today, with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, among attendees. He was joined by local leaders, partners and stakeholders who gathered to commemorate Orbit Clipper’s first passenger outing.
In partnership with British Triathlon, supporting the city’s drive for active, sustainable travel, a fleet of cyclists were welcomed onto the boat, in a landmark moment defined by a striking sea of lime-green helmet covers.
Today, Orbit Clipper will enter operation in tandem with the current vessel, Twinstar to ensure service continuity. The vessel will be progressively phased into operation, with full operation and exclusivity of the route targeted for Spring 2026. Once fully operational, the 150-passenger boat, with capacity for 100 bicycles, will cross the river every 10 minutes from each side on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends.
The vessel is part of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ broader sustainable innovation initiative. The company has a modern fleet featuring three hybrid high-speed ferries: Earth Clipper, Celestial Clipper, and Mars Clipper. Operating on battery power in Central London, the hybrid vessels recharge while continuing their journey outside of this zone.
Adding Orbit Clipper to the fleet underlines the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ commitment to creating green transport solutions for London’s commuters and leisure travellers. The project is a significant step towards the River Bus’ ambitious target of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2035 and achieving net-zero by 2050.
Sean Collins, CEO of Uber Boat Thames Clippers, believes launching the UK’s first fully electric vessel is a watershed moment for green transport in London.
“The launch of Orbit Clipper is a significant milestone for sustainable transport in London. As the UK’s first all-electric, zero-emissions vessel, it represents our commitment to reducing the city’s carbon footprint while continuing to provide reliable and efficient river transport.
“Orbit Clipper not only showcases cutting-edge innovation but also sets a new standard for eco-friendly travel on the Thames, helping to shape a cleaner, greener future for Londoners and visitors alike.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “This is a fantastic new transport option for Londoners – not only cleaner and greener than its predecessor, but providing quicker and more accessible journeys across the river for far more people. Innovation and investment in travel infrastructure like this will help us navigate the challenges facing our environment and our economy as we continue building a fairer, greener, better London for everyone.”
Andrew Brem, General Manager, Uber UK, said: “By boat, bike or car, Londoners now have even more options to take a zero-emission journey across the capital with Uber. Whether you’re commuting to work or enjoying the sights of the city, the Orbit Clipper is a brilliant addition to the Thames and is an important milestone in the electrification of London’s transport options.”
Tim Beckett, Director of Beckett Rankine commented: “’London desperately needs efficient, zero-emission transport solutions on the river just as it needs them on land, and those solutions must be cost-effective. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and Beckett Rankine addressed this challenge with our concept for a zero-emission ferry crossing at Rotherhithe, earning the prestigious NCE100 Impact in Transport Award 2019.
With Orbit Clipper now launched, Rotherhithe’s electric ferry crossing is a game-changer. Crucially, the project has provided valuable lessons that will guide future low-cost, active travel river crossing schemes toward success.”
Matt Holland, Chief Project Engineer at Aqua superPower said: “We are delighted to have partnered on this landmark project and to provide the reliable, fast-charging infrastructure that powers Orbit Clipper. This milestone demonstrates that electrification is not just viable but ready today for critical marine passenger transport – in London and around the world. It also underscores Aqua superPower’s expertise in designing, installing, and operating robust charging networks that will drive the next generation of zero-emission marine ferries.
Orbit Clipper marks a major step forward in sustainable urban water transport. Aqua superPower’s advanced marine chargers ensure rapid, seamless recharging, supporting the vessel’s high-frequency service while delivering zero local emissions on the River Thames. Aqua superPower remains committed to expanding electric-vehicle charging infrastructure across the Thames and global waterways, enabling cleaner, quieter, and more efficient marine mobility for the future”
Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK said: “The Orbit Clipper is a powerful example of how UK innovation can transform future industries, with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers championing zero-emission waterborne transport in London.
At Innovate UK, our job is to help brilliant ideas become viable businesses. By working in strategic partnership with DfT through UK SHORE, we’re supporting the technologies that will define clean transport and drive sustainable growth. Investment today isn’t just about one project, it’s about positioning UK business to lead tomorrow’s green economy.”
Toby Mumford, CEO at Wight Shipyard Company said: “We’re proud to deliver the Thames’ first fully electric ferry, thanks to the support from Innovate UK, and our project partners led by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. The quality of the vessel is a testament to the team on the island and the vision of UBTC who have been driving this project for many years. We hope this is the first of many electric ferries we build both for Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and for export.”
Ruth Daniels, CEO at British Triathlon commented: “We’re proud to be working with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers as our Official London Travel Partner, a collaboration that perfectly reflects our shared commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and promoting healthier lifestyles.
“With space for up to 100 bikes, the Orbit Clipper gives triathletes, commuters, tourists, and anyone traveling across London a greener, more convenient way to get around. The ability to integrate River Bus services into their routine adds a welcome, sustainable alternative.
“And, as the World Triathlon Championship Series returns to London next July, we’re excited to offer participants a unique and efficient route to the start line through this ongoing partnership.”
Brittany Ferries’ fleet renewal programme draws to a close – 5 ships in 5 years
Guillaume de Normandie Credit: Jess Breheret
The second hybrid ship, and fifth new vessel in five years, completes the largest fleet renewal programme in Brittany Ferries’ history. Guillaume de Normandie makes her first commercial voyage on Friday 18 April 2025. She will serve the company’s busiest Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) route, which carries around a million passengers a year and more than half of all freight traffic
Like sister ship Saint-Malo, she will run just like a hybrid car. That means powered by cleaner natural gas at sea, electricity or on a combination of the two. When entering Portsmouth harbour and while at quay she will be entirely emissions-free, driven exclusively by batteries. The completion of shore-connection work in Portsmouth (summer 2025) will add an extra string to her bow. Batteries will be re-charged while alongside.
The company worked alongside Normandy tourism on her interior. Passengers will experience a floating love letter to the region that bears her name. Art, cabins, public spaces and restaurants reflect the richness of the region. The ship will carry 1,300 passengers and includes 220 cabins, 22 of which will be pet-friendly.
Isles of Scilly Steamship Group names Piriou as the shipbuilder of choice for construction of its new passenger ferry Scillonian IV and cargo vessel
(13 Sept 2023) The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group has named Piriou as its preferred shipbuilder to build and deliver two new vessels for the Group.
In April, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group announced a private financing solution for the replacement of the vessels and the intent to select a preferred shipyard. This announcement continues the next stage of the Group’s plan.
Piriou is a long-established ship builder with over 50 years’ experience building more than 600 vessels. It has over 1,400 highly-skilled employees, including an in-house design team and production facilities in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Piriou has a strong balance sheet with an annual turnover of over €300m.
Appointing Piriou comes after months of thorough evaluation, technical questioning and site visits to France and Vietnam, as part of the Group’s due diligence processes.
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group and Piriou will commence detailed design work with the intention of signing contracts in October 2023 for the new Scillonian IV passenger ship and a new cargo vessel to replace the current Gry Maritha.
Construction of both vessels will commence in Piriou’s Vietnam yard in spring 2024. The vessels will then be transferred to Piriou’s yard in France for commissioning and testing, ready for delivery ahead of the 2026 season.
Working with a team of experts, the project will be managed by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s two on-site project managers to make sure that there is constant representation at the shipyard and to ensure that the build programme remains on budget and on time for delivery.
The new faster passenger ferry will be designed to provide passengers with greater comfort through improved stabilisation, accessibility and an overall enhanced experience, in line with feedback received during the Group’s consultation with visitors and residents on Scilly.
The new cargo vessel will have increased freight capacity and provide comfortable transport for up to 12 passengers per sailing during the winter. Both vessels will use the latest propulsion technology with improved environmental credentials along with the capability to be upgraded as green technologies mature.
Stuart Reid, CEO, of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group said:
“This is a big step forward and an important milestone for our vessel replacement programme, which will deliver new and improved vessels for the Isles of Scilly. The selection process started with over 30 shipyards which have been evaluated by our experienced project team. The project team, consisting of a mix of technical expertise, shipbuilding experience and the four masters of our current vessels, worked through a series of bids delivered by the shipyards. Visits took place to shortlisted shipyards to complete our extensive due diligence. The project team was unanimous in its decision to appoint Piriou as its preferred shipyard on the basis of experience, technical expertise in delivering specialist ferries and competitiveness.”
Ian Howard, Chairman of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group said:
“Piriou has an excellent reputation for building both passenger ferries and cargo vessels. Its naval architects and senior management team have conducted multiple visits to Penzance and the Isles of Scilly and have a full understanding of the challenges of the route and infrastructure to support the new vessels. We are very excited to be working with Piriou and building vessels which will deliver significant service enhancements.”
Vincent Faujour, President of Piriou shipyard said:
“We are delighted and honoured to be named as the preferred shipyard by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group for construction of its new passenger ferry Scillonian IV and new cargo vessel. As we have been building and maintaining lifeline ferries for decades, we know how important this project is for the communities depending on the sea link services to the Isles of Scilly. Working closely with the Group’s project team, our teams in Brittany and Vietnam are already fully dedicated to deliver to the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group the most suitable vessels, designed for rough seas, with increased comfort and a reduced environmental footprint. Finally, as Concarneau and Penzance have been twin towns since 1982, I must say it is a real pleasure to participate in a project that will strengthen the links between Cornwall and the Breton “Cornouaille”.”
UK transport gets greener with arrival of first hybrid high speed passenger ferry
The first of three new hybrid boats joins the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers fleet
12 September 2023 – From today, sightseers and commuters in London can make more eco-friendly journeys. Earth Clipper, Europe’s first hybrid high speed passenger ferry, built to the High-Speed Craft Code, and the first of three new Uber Boat by Thames Clippers passenger ferries to operate with zero tailpipe emissions in Central London, starts sailing.
Leading the way in passenger boat design, Earth Clipper gives an almost 90 per cent reduction in CO2e compared with running solely on conventional marine diesel. The 18th high-speed catamaran in the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers fleet takes strides in improving the ambitious sustainability credentials of the business while also laying strong groundwork for the wider marine sector.
The hybrid boat will operate solely on battery power while transporting commuters and sightseers through the Capital – in the Central Zone, between Tower and Battersea Power Station piers – and recharge while using biofuelled power outside of central London. Offering an emissions reduction of 16.5 per cent when compared with running on biofuel alone throughout all parts of the route.
As well as being the first hybrid boat for the business, it is also its largest at 40m long – almost the length of two tennis courts laid end to end – and has a capacity of 230 passengers. Earth Clipper has also been designed for optimum passenger experience with the cabin featuring large windows which look out onto the iconic views along the Thames and offers the onboard café service that Uber Boat by Thames Clippers passengers know and love.
“This is a momentous day for us, and something we’ve been working towards for some time” says Sean Collins, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers co-founder and CEO, “Being able to offer greener transport through the capital is no small feat but something we’re incredibly passionate about at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
“We are committed to not only utilising the most advanced technology to drive down our carbon footprint, but also to playing our part in breaking new ground to advance that technology as much as we can. The new boats push the boundaries in catamaran design to deliver a future-friendly option that can be made even greener as and when technology allows. We’re excited to announce too, that Earth Clipper will be joined by two sister vessels; Celestial and Mars Clipper will also join the fleet this year as we work towards our targets of reducing carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2040 for the overall business.”
The business plans to introduce a hybrid system as a minimum with any new vessels and where possible, fully electrified or zero emission technology. In addition to the three hybrid catamarans, work is under way to deliver London’s first fully electric Zero Emission Cross River Ferry between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe by the spring of 2025 – the first of its kind in the UK. The company’s plans to 2030 include an investment of £70 million in new fleet.
Sean believes strongly in protecting and preserving the river Thames and the communities close to the river. For over 20 years the business has been at the forefront of innovation for the river marine sector and is committed to supporting the sustainable growth of infrastructure and economic development on and around the river to ensure its long-term importance to Greater London.
Earth Clipper was built at Wight Shipyard Co in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, where the two sister vessels are currently being completed. An investment that has been transformational and significant for the local economy on the Isle of Wight, with 65 people building the boat over the past year and 14 apprentices involved.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers services that run as far east as Barking Riverside and out to Putney in the west. The business is now in its 24th year of operation and in 2023 alone, will carry over 5 million commuters and visitors through London on the river.
(29 June 2023) The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is confirming its new flagship, Manxman, will arrive in Douglas Bay around 09:00 on Sunday, 02nd July.
The vessel, which is registered in Douglas, will leave its current berth at Southampton’s Western Docks on Friday evening. Manxman’s route to the Isle of Man will see it travel down Southampton Water, out of the Solent, around Land’s End and into the Irish Sea.
Manxman’s delivery voyage began in May and has seen the vessel cover over 12,000 nautical miles through eight different seas in three different oceans. As the journey has progressed to the west, Manxman’s crews have had to adjust their clocks ten times to match local times zones.
The well-travelled ship has made calls at numerous ports along the route, to take on fuel and supplies. As well as some of the World’s busiest ports such as Hong Kong and Singapore, Manxman’s itinerary has taken the vessel to fascinating historical locations including Muscat, Jeddah and Valletta.
Along the way, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s crew have seen many unforgettable sights, including Orcas, flying fish and pods of dolphins.
For the final leg of her homeward journey, Manxman will be under the command of Captain Jonathan Palmer.
Following her arrival in Douglas, Manxman has to undergo inspections by the Isle of Man Ship Registry, including a test deployment of its Marine Evacuation System.
The new vessel will also have to undergo berthing trials in Douglas and Heysham, as well as giving the masters an opportunity to update their Pilot Exemption Certificates for the new flagship.
Alongside that, crew training, staff familiarisation, stocking and all the myriad other items that need to be put in place for the Company to deliver the high-quality passenger experience it strives for need to be completed.
It is anticipated that if all goes to plan, Manxman will begin limited service before the end of July.
A ‘Round the Island Cruise’ is being planned in order to give some customers a chance to sail on the new flagship without having to make a return crossing. Further details of this will be released shortly.
A welcome Ceremony for Manxman is planned for Sunday 9th, with further details to be released shortly.
Brittany Ferries Santoña is the latest LNG-powered ferry to call Portsmouth home
Brittany Ferries new LNG-powered ferry Santoña arriving at Portsmout Port escorted by two Hovertravel hovercraft. Credit: Strong Island
(3 March 2023) A new Brittany Ferries ship has sailed into Portsmouth International Port for the first time this week.
Named Santoña, the luxurious cruise-ferry will voyage to Santander in northern Spain twice a week, with a single weekly return-crossing to Cherbourg in France. Her first commercial crossing to Santander departs tonight, Friday 3 March 2023, after a champagne reception to toast her arrival.
Santoña is powered by cleaner liquefied natural gas (LNG). That means passengers, freight drivers and crew can expect a smoother and quieter ride on this state-of-the-art E-Flexer class ship. Crucially, it also means far fewer air quality and CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions from her funnel.
She is the third in a series of five new vessels to join the fleet, covering the period 2019 – 2025. It’s all part of the biggest ship renewal programme in Brittany Ferries’ 50 year history, a multi-million pound investment in a more sustainable future. Like LNG-powered sister-ship Salamanca, which entered service in 2022, Santoña will be a good neighbour to the port and to Pompey residents.
That’s because LNG is cleaner than diesel fuel. Virtually no air quality emissions like soot, sulphur or nitrogen dioxide are emitted from the funnel following combustion. Carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) are also up to 20% lower than for diesel fuel. She therefore comes with the promise of cleaner air from day one in service, with the potential to realise further improvements in the years to come when new bio and e-Fuels are available to power what are sometimes described as “fuel agnostic” ships.
“We are proud to be long-term partners of Portsmouth international Port and the great waterfront city,” said Christopher Mathieu chief executive Brittany Ferries. “But we want to be more than just a company that contributes significantly to the local economy, taking people to beautiful destinations in France and Spain. We also want to be partners for change, boosting moves to improve air quality across the city and to tackle climate change. That’s why ships like Santoña and the hybrids to come are so important.”
The next two Brittany Ferries vessels on the horizon will feature hybrid technology. Like a hybrid car, they will run on fuel (LNG), on electric power or on a combination of the two. At sea the ships will be powered by cleaner LNG. But upon the approach to the city, while manoeuvring in port and at quay, hybrid technology takes charge.
Arriving in 2024/2025, the ferries will replace two grande dames and favourites of the Brittany Ferries fleet, Bretagne and Normandie. They will serve Portsmouth-Caen and Portsmouth-St Malo and both will be shore side power ready.
They are configured to be plugged-in to recharge batteries and to run systems on board while alongside, cutting emissions to zero. Portsmouth International Port and the City Council has been key to lobbying for – and securing – the large increase in power supply needed, as well as investment in infrastructure to get power to the port gate. Work is continuing to secure the final piece of the jigsaw, connecting power from the port gate to the quayside where ferries and cruise vessels will dock.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said: “We are proud of our long-term partnership with Brittany Ferries, and hugely impressed to see their plans for sustainable expansion going from strength to strength.
“Brittany Ferries shares the city’s ambitions for a future focussed on protecting the environment, we are committed to supporting them to achieve their clean growth goals, which is why we are securing additional green energy to provide power for ships in the future that can plug in when in port.
“As expected from Brittany Ferries Santona is an impressive ship and we look forward to seeing her sail regularly through Portsmouth.”
Santoña – on board
Santoña is a ship that brings the art of travel to all. Its capacious interior spaces are designed to be accessible to every passenger, with boutique shopping, a cinema and atrium bar with sky roof on the menu.
Cabins are roomy and boast mattresses that are said to be the most comfortable on the Channel. A C-Club Lounge is offered to those seeking a premium experience, to complement the comfort and relaxation that comes as standard when travelling on board a Brittany Ferries ship.
There’s ample space for 1,015 aboard this 215-metre ship. She hosts 343 cabins and pets are welcome too. There are 22 pet-friendly cabins, meaning Fido can join the family on holiday to France or Spain.
Artworks and meals on board are inspired by Santoña and the regions of Spain served by the ship. So Brittany Ferries can rightly claim to walk-the-talk when it says your holiday begins the moment you step on board.
While dreaming of beautiful destinations that await upon arrival in Santander, passengers can while away the hours on deck whale and dolphin spotting. The Bay of Biscay is one of the richest places on Earth for spying these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Lucky travellers might even spot a blue whale, the largest creature ever to have lived on the planet.
