Key milestone in restoration of Arctic Corsair
NATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT: The Arctic Corsair in a dry-dock at Dunston Ship Repairs after being painted
By Rick Lyon
Hull’s last remaining sidewinder trawler has reached a key stage in its restoration.
The Arctic Corsair has been painted with two top coats of paint and six docking brackets have been fitted in preparation for its berthing at her new dry berth at North End Shipyard in early 2024.
The nationally significant trawler representing the end of what was once a major industry in Hull was repainted in its original black by Dunston Ship Repairs.
In June 2022, the trawler was shotblasted, removing decades of old paint and dirt. New layers of red primer have been added to protect it from any corrosion and it is now ready for a further layer of paint, which will be applied using an airless paint machine.
Developments have included work on the new deck, work to create a new access to the fish hold, extensive steel repairs and replacement, new painting throughout, rewiring and installation of lighting, new windows and flooring to the wheelhouse, as well as a host of details such as reinstalling a searchlight and compasses and reupholstering the furniture.
The latest element of the restoration took 10 days to complete. In total, five coats of paint have been added and the new layers will enable the trawler to shine again in a new dry berth at North End Shipyard, which will form part of a new visitor attraction in the heart of Hull city centre.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “Seeing the Arctic Corsair in dry dock again is a wonderful sight and gives a good perspective of what it will look like in its new home at the North End Shipyard.
“This is an exciting stage in the restoration and the trawler is looking great with new paintwork. It’s great to see the Arctic Corsair works progressing well as we are edging closer to seeing the trawler finished and ready for her new home.”
Once the restoration is complete, the trawler will move along the Humber Estuary, reaching the River Hull and be docked at its new home.
The new maritime attraction at North End Shipyard, which will encompass the restored Arctic Corsair, a visitor centre and the restored 20th century Scotch Derrick crane, is expected to open in autumn 2024.
The restoration of the Arctic Corsair is part of Hull Maritime, a major regeneration programme funded by Hull City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Other elements include the restoration of the Spurn Lightship and the transformational refurbishment of Hull Maritime Museum and Dock Office Chambers.