Bevan Brittan LLP has been appointed to advise Cornwall County Council on the introduction of the combined passenger and freight ferry service between the Cornish mainland and The Isles of Scilly.

The multi-million pound project will involve the procurement of a new combined passenger and freight vessel to operate as the new ferry together with extensive works to the harbours and quay sides at both Penzance and St Mary’s.

Cornwall County Council is working in informal partnership on this venture with the Council of Isles of Scilly, the Duchy of Cornwall, Penwith District Council, Isles of Scilly Steamship Company and helicopter operator, British International Helicopters.

Martin Howe, Partner for Property, Planning and Construction at Bevan Brittan said: “This is a long-term project for Cornwall County Council with the new vessel programmed for completion in 2011. We are currently working on a collaboration agreement between all of the partners involved and once this is agreed, the next phase will be the engagement of a contractor to carry out the harbour works and, subject to full funding approvals, putting in train the procurement of the new vessel. It’s great to be involved from the start of such an important and significant project.”