UPDATE JULY 19, 2024: Scilly Ferries has announced a delay on the start time for the new Atlantic Wolff fast ferry. Read more here: New fast ferry from Cornwall to Isles of Scilly unexpectedly delayed

A new fast ferry that will get passengers from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly in under two hours is due to begin sailing next week. 

Atlantic Wolff is a high-speed catamaran with just over 400 seats over two decks, and will be the fastest way to get to Scilly by sea, with a crossing time of under two hours.

She arrived in Newlyn Harbour this afternoon (Wednesday) following an eight-hour sailing from Portsmouth, where she has been fitted out over the last couple of months.

Following sea trials, Atlantic Wolff is expected to start her eagerly-awaited schedule between Penzance and St Mary’s early next week.

Part of the Harland & Wolff Group, Scilly Ferries will have up to two return sailings a day between Penzance and St Mary’s and it’s anticipated the service will run as late into the autumn as the weather permits.

Next year, in a full season, the ferry will be operational between April and October.

The ferry is due to start its service next week (Image: Scilly Ferries)

John Wood, the CEO of Harland & Wolff and Scilly Ferries, said: “This is the service the local community has been calling for over many, many years.

"It will bring much needed tourists to the islands and boost the islands’ economy. We know from meeting people locally there is a huge pent-up demand and I’m looking forward to it being a great success.”

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Light refreshments will be available onboard the new ferry.

Atlantic Wollf, which was named in a competition by students from Five Islands Academy on the Isle of Scilly, is 42 metres in length, 11.2 m in width and has a draft of 1.6m.

Made of aluminium, with a high-efficiency hull design leading to maximum fuel efficiency, she has  a maximum operating speed of 28 knots.

The ferry is powered by four Caterpillar engines generating a total 2,984kW (or 4,000HP) powering 4 x Rolls Royce Kamewa waterjets , designed to not only offer speed but also reliability.

Travel benefits, including complimentary return tickets, are provided to permanent islanders through ‘The Residents Club’.