FAQs

Atlantic Wolff is currently undergoing sea trials between St Mary’s and Penzance so that she can be ready to begin crossings soon. Keep an eye on our social media pages for regular updates.

We are working with the regulatory authorities to ensure our ferry is in service as soon as possible. Work is continuing at pace but some timescales we do not control, and customer safety is our highest priority. We look forward to getting the vessel into operation soon, hopefully by mid-July.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

There is no size or weight restriction for hand luggage. We permit one item per person, that can be carried on and off the vessel by the passenger.

Prams

For passengers traveling with buggies or prams, we ask that you fold it 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. Upon arrival, our crew will ensure items are returned to you.

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.  

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.

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 

We’ll be opening up bookings soon for sailings from mid-July.

Secure parking is offered by Isles of Scilly Parking and Scilly Parking for all island visitors.

Once you have made your reservation, we will be in contact by email with details of how and when to pay. Please note we have not taken any payments for any bookings so far.

You can find our timetable here.

You can amend your booked ticket(s) until 48 hours before the time of your booked sailing. Cancellations can be made in person at, The Shop, Quay House, The Bank, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0HY or by telephoning us on 01720 421 091. Amendments will be subject to administration fees as follows:

You can cancel your booked ticket(s) until 48 hours before the time of your booked sailing. Cancellations can be made in person at, The Shop, Quay House, The Bank, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0HY or by telephoning us on 01720 421 091. Any refunds due from a cancelled booking shall be subject to administration fees as follows:

If a sailing is to be cancelled or delayed, we will endeavour to inform you of the situation as soon as possible and in any event not later than 30 minutes after the scheduled time of departure. When relevant information is available, we will inform you of the estimated departure and arrival times of your sailing.
Where we expect a sailing to be cancelled or delayed for more than 90 minutes, then we will offer, free of charge, snacks, meals or refreshments, reasonable to the waiting time where they are available or can reasonably be supplied. We will also offer you a choice between:

• A suitable alternative ferry crossing to the final destination on comparable terms to those for your ticket and the Conditions of Carriage at the earliest opportunity; or
• Reimbursement of the ticket price and, if relevant, a free of charge return service to the first point of departure set our in our transport contract at the earliest opportunity.

** If a delay in departure necessitates one or more additional nights’ stay, we will offer you adequate accommodation and transport to and from that accommodation free of charge. This is subject to a maximum of £70 per person per night and a maximum of 3 nights.

** Without affecting your right to travel with us, you may request compensation of 25% of the ticket price for that journey where the delay in arrival exceeds one hour. Where the delay is more than 2 hours, you may request compensation of 50% of the ticket price.

You are not entitled to assistance if any cancellation or delay is your fault or if you were informed of the cancellation or delay before buying your ticket for that journey.

Please note, the provisions marked ** will not apply if the cancellation or delay is caused by weather conditions endangering the safe operation of the ship or extraordinary circumstances which could not have been reasonably avoided for example natural disasters or industrial action.

If you have any complaints about our services, where possible, please raise your complaint with our management at the relevant location. This is recommended approach for the prompt resolution of any disputes. You may also contact us via email at info@scillyferries.co.uk or by phone on 01720 421 091 providing all the relevant details.