By
Alex Smith |
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group has named Piriou as its preferred shipbuilder for its new passenger ferry.
The appointment followed a due diligence process that involved evaluation, technical questioning and site visits to France and Vietnam. Piriou and Isles of Scilly Steamship Group will now commence detailed design work with the intention of signing contracts in October 2023 for Scillonian IV, alongside a new cargo vessel.
“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,” said Stuart Reid, CEO of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group. “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.”
Construction of the passenger ferry will then begin in Piriou’s Vietnam yard in spring 2024. The vessel will then be transferred to the shipbuilder’s yard in France for commissioning and testing, ready for delivery before the 2026 season. The project will be overseen by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s two onsite project managers to ensure the build programme remains on budget and on time for delivery.
The new ferry will be designed with improved stability and accessibility, in line with feedback received during the group’s consultation with visitors and residents on Scilly.
“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,” said Vincent Faujour, president of Piriou. “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.”