The owners of a new fast ferry that promises to get passengers from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly in under two hours has said it remains committed to “starting the service this season” despite a series of delays.

Scilly Ferries had hoped to get its new Atlantic Wolff ferry launched on Tuesday, but announced last Friday this would be delayed for another week.

However, this week the BBC reported that an email had been sent to customers to say that “due to unforeseen reasons” out of the control of Scilly Ferries, sailings had been cancelled until August 20.

Today (Saturday), in an update on its Facebook page and website, the company gave no estimated start date, simply saying it remained committed to starting the service “this season.”

It said: “As some of you may know, due to ongoing evaluations within its parent company, Harland and Wolff, the commencement of the Scilly Ferries service has been delayed.

“At Scilly Ferries we are incredibly sorry for the inconvenience and distress this has caused to the passengers who had reserved seats or who were planning to travel.

“We remain committed to starting the service this season and offer the islands a much-needed alternative form of travel by sea between St Mary's and Penzance. “We are grateful for your patience and support on this journey and hope to serve the islands long into the future.”

Atlantic Wolff had originally been due to start sailing on Tuesday (Image: Scilly Ferries)

The ferry began sea trials after arriving in Newlyn ten days ago and has now been reported as receiving final sign off from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The issues relate to Scilly Ferries’ parent company Harland and Wolff, a Belfast-based company famous for building the Titanic.

The company is facing financial difficulties and had applied for government loan guarantee of up to £200 million.

This would have allowed the company to borrow money with the government acting as guarantor – meaning if it was unable to make repayments the government would step in to reimburse lenders.

However, last week it was told the government would not agree to this backing – or any form of emergency funding.

In a written statement the Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said: "This decision was based on a comprehensive assessment of the company’s financial profile and the criteria set out in our risk policies.

"We have also decided not to provide any form of emergency liquidity funding.

"The Government believes, in this instance, that the market is best placed to resolve the commercial matters faced by Harland and Wolff."

The fast ferry promises to get passengers to the Isles of Scilly in under two hours (Image: Scilly Ferries)

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

It plans to have up to two return sailings a day between Penzance and St Mary’s and anticipates the service will run as late into the autumn as the weather permits. Next year, in a full season, it hopes the ferry will be operational between April and October.

Currently the only company offering travel to the Isles of Scilly by sea is the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, which operates the Scillonian, as well as the Skybus aeroplane by air.

A new Scillonian ferry is due to set sail in March 2026. The 72-metre Scillonian IV will be able to carry 600 passengers (an increase of 115) over three decks, with improved comfort and sail times promises.

Penzance Helicopters also operates flights to Tresco and St Mary’s.

Scilly Ferries hopes to offer an alternative form of sea travel – should the existing barriers be lifted.