Scilly Ferries concerns as financial problems persist

Scilly Ferries’ new catamaran has arrived in Cornwall but all sailings this week have been cancelled.

Financial problems persist for parent company Harland and Wolff, whose chief executive resigned on Friday.

Isles senior adviser Steve Sims said he was concerned and that “the picture looked rosier last week”. Harland and Wolff said they anticipate starting service on July 30.

Mr Sims, Isles of Scilly Council’s Senior Advisor for Tourism and Economy, said the picture was “confusing”.

He said: “Friday was quite depressing because I got the news and I didn’t know what was going to happen.”

After initially promising to start in early May, the first crossing is now scheduled for July 30 at 12:45 BST.

Mr Sims said: “It caused a lot of problems … I don’t think it’s a secret that Harland and Wolff’s communication could have been a lot better.”

Michaela Badge works for tour company Shearings, which during the summer season takes around 100 day-trippers to the islands each week.

Using the new service would give its guests a longer stay as the new crossing will take just 90 minutes, compared to 160 minutes – two hours and 40 minutes – on the existing ship, the Scillonian III.

She said: “We are all watching with bated breath.

“We don’t know which way it’s going. You couldn’t make it up, but we’re all so excited, hoping it actually happens.”

Harland and Wolff said: “We are delighted to report that Atlantic Wolff is ready for passenger operations and the crew are working hard on fine-tuning to ensure Scilly Ferries provides the best possible service – and the fastest at sea – between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly from the anticipated start date of Tuesday 30 July.”

He declined to comment on the company’s current financial situation.