The owners of brand new ferry service for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly trip have announced that it closing without its high tech vessel ever taking a single trip.
Scilly Ferries Ltd had promised to get passengers from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly in under two hours in its new vessel but have now announced the route has been scrapped.
Just five days ago Scilly Ferries Ltd said that it remains committed to “starting the service this season” despite a series of delays.
But this morning it announced “with great sadness” Scilly Ferries, including the Atlantic Wolff fast ferry, has ceased operations. It said the decision has been made because of the need for Harland & Wolff 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.
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.”
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All customers with existing reservations on the Atlantic Wolff will be contacted directly today.
All staff affected have been advised.
The vessel will be returned to its manufacturer, Damen, in the Netherlands.
Harland & Wolff Marine Services, which provides carriage of freight between the mainland and the Isles of Scilly, as well as workboats for projects across the UK and Europe, will continue its operations unaffected.
The company said on its Facebook page: “Those of you who have reached out with your support, we thank you for your kindness. This social media page will cease activity shortly.”
Atlantic Wolff is a high-speed catamaran with just over 400 seats over two decks. Scilly Ferries said 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.
The ferry began sea trials after arriving in Newlyn 15 days ago and had been reported as receiving final sign off from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The issues related 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.
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