Maritime City: Historic shipyard Dunston joins restoration project

RESTORATION: Arctic Corsair, in her former berth on the River Hull

A long-established Hull shipyard company has been appointed to repair and restore two historic city ships, the Arctic Corsair and Spurn Lightship.

Dunston (Ship Repairs) Limited, which has more than 100 years of experience in repairing ships, will undertake the work following a competitive and highly technical bidding and review process, Hull City Council said.

The project will secure the long-term future of the two vessels and give them a new lease of life as part of the £30.3m Hull Maritime project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the council.

This complex specialist work is a major part of the heritage-led regeneration scheme to preserve and celebrate Hull’s rich maritime heritage. Both ships will continue to play an important role in showcasing their national and historical significance to visitors and residents.

Arctic Corsair, Hull’s last remaining sidewinder trawler, will be the first to be restored.

The ship was moved from its previous berth in August 2019, when thousands of people came to see it moved for the first time in 20 years. She will make her penultimate journey to the shipyard on Alexandra Dock in the coming weeks.

Once restoration is complete, the trawler will then move to iher final berth at North End Shipyard on the River Hull, a former dock and an historic site in its own right.

Dunston’s thoroughness in their attention to detail, and their experience along with their extensive knowledge of the supply chain stood out, the council said.

The firm’s commitment to training, providing apprenticeships to young people, and utilising local labour was also a standout factor.

Council leader Daren Hale said: “I am delighted to see this project move forward, and this decision is a key and important milestone.

“It is great to have a specialist shipyard on board who fully understands the importance of working closely with our curators and volunteers to restore these two ships, and the significance they have within the city.

“Dunston’s will work to preserve the historical integrity of the ships, enabling visitors to discover their true physical connection to what makes them so special.”

Spurn Lightship in Hull Marina

David Renwick, director of England North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The journey of the Arctic Corsair in 2019 captivated many people, and its restoration and that of the Spurn Lightship is sure to do the same.

 “We’re thrilled to see this element of Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City and the project as a whole progressing well.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, this important heritage item will be preserved to be enjoyed by locals and visitors from further afield, whilst also playing a significant role in boosting the local economy and aiding the wider regeneration of Hull.”

Richard Bourne, managing director and co-owner of Dunston (Ship Repairs) Limited, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this once in a lifetime contract to restore two of the city’s historic ships, which are cherished by so many.

“We appreciate how important they are, what they mean to the city and the vital role they played in our maritime story.

“Dunston’s have a long and established history in restoring ships and we are proud to be able to work on these two significant vessels.

“Not only will the restoration of the ships support the local economy, with most of the supply chain being from Hull, the opportunities to enhance the skills and learning of young people and our team will also be an important and exciting element of the contract. 

“We are looking forward to working with the Hull Maritime team to create two special museum-ships that will be displayed on a national and international stage, for residents and visitors to explore and appreciate for decades to come.” 

As well as restoring both ships, the Hull Maritime project will also see significant improvements to three important sites: the Maritime Museum; Dock Office Chambers, and North End Shipyard.

The next step will be to move Arctic Corsair from its current location to the shipyard, with work expected to get underway in the autumn.

The new visitor attraction at North End Shipyard is expected to open in summer 2023.

Find out more information on the Hull Maritime project here.