New fast ferry service to Isles of Scilly scrapped
It has been announced that Scilly Ferries has ceased operations
Scilly Ferries, including the Atlantic Wolff fast ferry, has ceased operations.
The new service between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly had already faced multiple delays and was due to begin sailings this month.
Owners Harland & Wolff say the decision to scrap the new service has been made because of "the need to refocus on its core business activities".
It said: "As the company’s new board assesses all aspects of the group’s functions, the ferry operation was identified as being overly ambitious given current circumstances. As a result, the decision was made to cease Scilly Ferries with immediate effect."
The company has said that all customers with existing reservations on the Atlantic Wolff will be contacted directly today - and that all affected staff has been advised.
Harland & Wolff’s Interim Executive Chair, Russell Downs, said: "We understand that this will be difficult news for those affected directly and for the people of the Isles of Scilly and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and uncertainty caused.
"We would like to reassure residents that Harland & Wolff Marine Services, which provides carriage of freight between the mainland and the Isles of Scilly, will continue its operations unaffected."
The vessel will be returned to its manufacturer, Damen, in the Netherlands.