The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s new freight vessel will be named Menawethan, following a vote by islanders.

Menawethan will replace Gry Maritha in 2026 and will continue the extremely important work of delivering freight to and from the Isles of Scilly.

“The islands bring to mind exquisite natural beauty, history and wildlife, and we wanted a name that encapsulates these elements,” said a spokesperson for the company.

Three names were put to the island community to vote, with Menawethan coming out on top.

Menawethan is home to seals and seabirds and is a favourite spot for kayakers, divers and wildlife spotters. It is a steep-sided island, known in Cornish as Men an Wedhen, meaning the tree stone.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s new freight vessel will be named MenawethanThe Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s new freight vessel will be named Menawethan (Image: The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group)

Stuart Reid, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, said: “We’d like to say thank you to the Isles of Scilly community in helping us name our new freight vessel. Such an important vessel to the islands deserves a name chosen by islanders, and I can’t think of a more fitting name than Menawethan.

“Building work on our two new ships is continuing at pace, with the keel laying ceremonies for both Menawethan and Scillonian IV taking place next month. We can’t wait to welcome them both into service in 2026.”