Menawethan

The 'Menawethan', the new freight vessel for the Isles of Scilly, has entered the sea trials phase in Vung Tau on Jan 29, 2026, where it would be tested in the South China Sea off the coast at Vung Tau. The ship has been built to replace the 'Gry Maritha' and is due to start sailing to the Scillies later this year, providing a modern, reliable and resilient freight service"to deliver essential goods and supplies all year. The vessel includes cargo capacity, an improved capacity for perishable, chilled and frozen goods and a passenger lounge which could accommodate for 12 people. It has been designed specifically to meet the needs of the islands and was performing well at this crucial stage, as the vessel's performance, manoeuvrability, propulsion and onboard systems were tested. Affter the successful completion of the trials, the ship would undergo a final fit-out and certification before making its way to the UK. The 'Gry Maritha' master Tom Sexton and technical superintendent Luke Parnell have travelled to Vietnam for the trials.