Historic ships sail in for restoration work

Arctic Corsair

Two of the city’s most treasured ships have moved to a local shipyard to be restored.

Hull’s last remaining sidewinder trawler, Arctic Corsair, was moved on October 6 by SMS tugs. It took two tugs just over three hours to take the trawler down the Humber estuary to its temporary home at Dunston’s shipyard.

And yesterday Spurn Lightship was moved by Deans Tugs, who carefully manoeuvred the ship out of Hull Marina and along the estuary to the same shipyard on William Wright Dock.

Crowds gathered to watch the ships make their way steadily to their new temporary berths, where they will now receive extensive restoration work.

Both will be placed in a dry-dock for a full inspection to assess their condition and enable extensive works to ensure the long-term preservation of the historic vessels.

The restoration work is being undertaken to showcase both Arctic Corsair and Spurn Lightship as working vessels, so their unique histories and the stories of those who worked on them can be fully appreciated.

Spurn Lightship

Councillor Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “The relocation of both ships signals the start of an exciting journey as work can now get underway to protect their future for generations to come.

“With the support from volunteers and specialists in the field, the work commissioned on the historic ships has been carefully planned, to strike the delicate balance between conservation and restoration.

“The ships must retain the key historical elements to enable visitors make a real emotional connection with them and show them as when they were working - this is vital for a heritage experience.”

Richard Bourne, managing director and co-owner of Dunston (Ship Repairs) Limited, said: “This is a significant landmark, and it is fantastic to have the Spurn Lightship and the Arctic Corsair berthed in our local shipyard.

“We are extremely excited to start the restoration on two of the city’s most recognised ships, and it will be a privilege to work on them on behalf of the city.”

Spurn Lightship is expected to reopen to visitors, near Murdoch Connection bridge in spring 2023.

It is anticipated Arctic Corsair, and the brand-new visitor attraction at the historic North End Shipyard, will open in autumn that year.