- The Isles of Scilly’s new vessel, replacing Gry Maritha in 2026, will be called Menawethan after an uninhabited isle.
- The island community voted for Menawethan, which won over two other proposed names.
- Construction for Menawethan and Scillonian IV is advancing, with keel-laying ceremonies set for next month.
A new freight vessel named Menawethan will serve the Isles of Scilly, replacing the current ship, Gry Maritha, in 2026. The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company shared that the name comes from one of the 12 uninhabited Eastern Isles that are part of the Scilly archipelago, reports BBC.
Community-Selected Name
The island community chose the name Menawethan after a vote that offered three different names for the new vessel.
Menawethan, the winning name, reflects the island’s importance to residents. Menawethan is also known in Cornish as Men a Wedhen, meaning “the tree stone.”
The island itself is steep-sided and home to a variety of seals and seabirds. It is a popular destination for kayakers, divers, and wildlife spotters.
Significance of Menawethan’s Naming
Stuart Reid, the chief executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, expressed the importance of islanders choosing the vessel’s name.
“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,” said Stuart.
“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.”
Construction Progress on Menawethan and Scillonian IV
Construction work on both Menawethan and the other new vessel, Scillonian IV, is moving ahead rapidly.
The keel-laying ceremonies for both ships are scheduled for the following month. The company looks forward to welcoming these two vessels into service in 2026.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: BBC
