A new fast ferry service between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has been delayed for a week.

Atlantic Wolff, which promises to get passengers from Penzance to St Mary’s in under two hours, has been undergoing sea trials since arriving in Newlyn on Wednesday.

It was due to begin service on Tuesday, but this has been put back for a week due to “unforeseen circumstances.

Scilly Ferries, which is behind the new ferry, said: “Atlantic Wolff has been successfully undertaking berthing trials in Newlyn and Penzance this week.

“Berthing trials at St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly will continue this weekend.

“However, unforeseen circumstances have forced the company to delay operations and it is now looking at a start date of one week later, on Tuesday July 30.”

Scilly Ferries has apologised to customers who have already booked, for any inconvenience that this decision will have caused, but said it wanted to let them know as soon as possible to enable them to make alternative arrangements.

The statement concludes by saying: “Scilly Ferries remains committed to delivering a fast, friendly and flexible service for every passenger and looks forward to welcoming customers aboard very soon.”

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

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

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.