Frequently Asked Questions
As a new service, we’re sure you have a few questions for us. Perhaps you want to know more about our fast ferry which is entering service in May, the exclusive tickets that we’ll offer to islanders and what you can expect from the service. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, drop us a line in the Contact page, and we will be in touch.
What has prompted Harland & Wolff to consider providing passenger and freight service for the Isles of Scilly?
Harland & Wolff believes that the current Isles of Scilly to Penzance route is underserved, especially during the summer tourist surge. We have also observed limited freight capacity and the need for faster transit for the islands.
Tell me about the new fast ferry service
Harland & Wolff is introducing a fast ferry service between the mainland and St Mary’s from Spring to Autumn, starting in 2024. This will respond to the summer surge of day trippers and help grow the islands’ economy. We are aiming to offer two round trips daily, subject to tide, allowing tourists to spend the entire day on the islands. The vessel will accommodate at least 300 passengers and is faster than current services.
And what about freight services?
Harland & Wolff has acquired KMS Marine and is supporting the growth of KMS’s existing freight and marine business through the acquisition of additional vessels. KMS have done a great job in establishing themselves with a strong reputation. H&W has acquired KMS to help scale its growth and aligns with the company’s business plan to offer marine operations. In January 2024, the business was rebranded Harland & Wolff Marine Services.
Will there be a Scilly Ferries Residents' Club?
Yes. All qualified residents are entitled to three complimentary round-trip vouchers as part of our Residents’ Club. A discount of 20% will be offered on two further ticket purchases. Gift vouchers can also be purchased.
To be welcomed into the Scilly Ferries Residents’ Club applicants must be;
a) A permanent and current resident of the Isles of Scilly and;
b) have resided on the islands for a minimum of 12 months before the date of application and;
c) have their primary or family residence on the islands and be resident on the isles for at least two thirds of the year.
Please note:
All applications/renewals for applicants may be asked for proof of address dated 12 months prior to application. If this is not possible a letter from your employer will be accepted.
Owning property, being on the electoral register, or paying Council Tax on Scilly etc. does not guarantee club membership.
Seasonal workers are not permitted to join the club.
Members of the Armed Forces or Emergency Services stationed away are asked to present a valid government ID at the time of application/renewal.
Scilly Ferries reserves the right to confirm employment, residency and full-time education status with third-party and travel records.
Students studying on the mainland are welcome to apply, providing current proof of full-time education in the form of a valid student ID card and a letter/email from the college you attend.
Click here to begin your application and read our terms and conditions.
Will the ferry times tie in with the train times at Penzance?
We understand the importance of the connecting journeys in Penzance and have factored this into the schedule for the fast ferry service. Our timetable has been designed to enable onward national rail travel to and from Penzance railway station.
What is the Scilly Ferries' luggage policy?
Each passenger can bring 1 cabin bag and 1 carry one hand bag
Hand bags
- Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm (16 x 12 x 6in)
- Up to 23kg (51lb)
Cabin bags
- Up to 56 x 45 x 25cm
- (22 x 18 x 10in) – includes wheels and handles
- Up to 23kg (51lb)
Prams
Scilly Ferries is committed to making your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible, including for our youngest passengers and their families. We understand that traveling with little ones often means bringing along extra items like prams, and we have a specific process in place to assist with these essentials.
For passengers traveling with prams, we ask that you fold the pram at the top of the gangway before boarding. Our crew will then store your pram safely during the journey and you won’t need to keep it with you, allowing for a more comfortable journey for you and your fellow passengers.
Upon arrival, our crew will reunite you with your pram. This service is designed to provide peace of mind and ease the process of boarding and disembarking, especially for families traveling with young children.
Will the fast ferry be able to operate reliably on the route?
The vessel that has been chosen for the new service has been selected owing to its capability to operate in the waters between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with good seakeeping characteristics. The vessel can operate in sea states of up to 4m wave height. If the ferry cannot operate due to adverse weather conditions, we will contact passengers with bookings well ahead of scheduled departure and communicate revised sailings as quickly as possible.
Who will be crewing the vessel and providing quayside assistance?
Dedicated Harland & Wolff teams will be crewing the vessel and providing quayside assistance to support the fast ferry service. Once the service is up and running, there will be employment opportunities for local people with Harland & Wolff.
What will your fare prices be for families?
We will have four fare tiers to enable as cost-effective travel as possible for families. These comprise:
- Standard (16+)
- Youth (5-15)
- Infant (0-4)
- Dog
When are tickets going to be on sale?
You can reserve your tickets now via this website or in person at our shop in Hugh Town.