Blast from the past: Historic Hull ships shotblasted back to original steel

ORIGINAL STEEL: Spurn Lightship, foreground, and Arctic Corsair being shotblasted at William Wright Dock

By Simon Bristow

Two historic Hull ships, Arctic Corsair and Spurn Lightship, have been berthed together in a dry dock for the first time as they undergo the next phase of their restoration.

The vessels are at William Wright Dock under the care of Dunston’s Ship Repairs, where they are being shotblasted to remove old paint back to their original steel, removing any corrosion before primer and new paint layers are applied.

The technique, commonly used in the shipping industry, is where garnet and metal are blasted by air at very high speed onto the surface area. 

The ships are being restored as part of the Hull Maritime project, which has received funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to transform the city’s key maritime treasures.

Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “It’s great to see the restoration process progressing. By working closely with Dunston’s, the two much-loved ships will retain authenticity to ensure visitors experience what it was like to work on them, covering some of the most treacherous waters.”

Since arriving at Dunston’s, Spurn Lightship has been in dry-dock for a full clean and inspection of its hull. 

Ballast iron has been removed from the lightship to allow the area to be cleaned and blasted prior to painting. Any areas of corrosion have been explored thoroughly, revealed, and assessed. 

Tests of the original three-inch-thick deck have revealed it is in good condition and will be refurbished and retained. This means more of the historic integrity that gives Spurn Lightship its character and importance will be preserved.

The lightship will be repainted in its original black apart from the hull below the waterline, which will be red. This is because it needs special antifouling paint to preserve it for future generations as it sits in the mostly static water of Hull Marina.

Once restoration is complete, Spurn Lightship will return to Hull Marina near Murdoch’s Connection footbridge, where it is expected to re-open to visitors in Autumn 2023.

The restoration of Arctic Corsair, Hull’s last surviving sidewinder trawler, is progressing well with structural surveys being undertaken and repairs made to the captain’s cabin, retaining as much as possible. All the timber from the deck has been removed and will be replaced following the shotblasting process.

Dave Clark, operations and technical director at Dunston’s, said: “In the last six months we have made good progress on the restoration of the city’s two ships. Shotblasting, priming and painting the Arctic Corsair and Spurn Lightship is the next stage and is a key milestone. This process will protect the exterior of the ships and their long-term future.”

David Renwick, director of England North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s fantastic news that thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support the restoration of Hull’s ships and ensure that these amazing craft are preserved for years to come.

“Restoring the two vessels to their original glory will in turn create wonderful landmarks for the city that will inspire people to explore its rich maritime heritage. Bringing Hull’s heritage to the fore through work like this will generate a huge amount of pride in the city, and interest from further afield, that can in turn deliver wider economic and social benefits.”

Other elements of the Hull Maritime project include the refurbishment of the Grade II* Hull Maritime Museum and Dock Office Chambers, and the creation of a new visitor attraction at North End Shipyard, which will become the new home of Arctic Corsair.