Spurn Lightship on the move ahead of summer reopening

ON THE MOVE: Spurn Lightship

By Simon Bristow

Maritime enthusiasts will have the chance to see historic vessel Spurn Lightship moved to a temporary berth on Thursday, following a 14-month restoration project.

But anyone wanting to see it will have to be up early, with the lightship set to leave Dunston Ship Repairs on William Wright Dock at 7.10am, weather and tides permitting.

Preparations will begin at 6.30am, with the ship being readied to be towed by Deans Tugs on a short journey along the Humber estuary to Hull Marina.

The best vantage point is expected to be along the waterfront at Humber Quays.

Dunston Ship Repairs have been restoring Spurn Lightship as part of the Hull Maritime project, and she will return to use as a floating museum.

The ship will have a temporary berth along Humber Dock Street until a permanent wet berth near Murdoch’s Connection is completed. Spurn Lightship is expected to reopen to visitors this summer.

The project is being delivered by Hull City Council and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “It is fantastic to see the Spurn Lightship restored, breathing new life into the vessel.

“This restoration will protect the lightship for the next 100 years, retaining its charm, integrity, and authenticity for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.

“Preparations for its opening are now underway and we’re looking forward to see it reopen later this year for everyone to learn more about the lightship’s career and story and the role it played in Hull’s maritime history.”

Richard Bourne, managing director at Dunston Ship Repairs, said: “The restoration of the Spurn Lightship has been close to our hearts. The effort, time and passion by the team has been a delight to see.  It has been great working with the Hull Maritime team and the Naval architects to breathe new life into the ship.

“We are honoured to have restored the lightship and we hope we have done the city proud. Restored by the city on behalf of the city. It is not every day a ship repairs company restores a vessel to become a museum again, so naturally it has been a very different type of job for us. They are usually going back out to sea, and this is why it is so special.

“The Spurn Lightship will now stand proud in Hull Marina once again and this restoration has secured the light vessel for future generations.” 

Helen Featherstone, Director of England North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The Spurn Lightship is well loved by the people of Hull and we’re thrilled to see it return to Hull Marina following an extensive restoration programme, and that its summer reopening date is fast approaching.

“It’s great to see Hull Maritime reach this milestone and continuing to ensure that Hull’s significant maritime heritage will be at the heart of its economic regeneration and ensure that it’s a city for all Hullians to be extremely proud of.”

Work to construct a permanent berth will get underway next week and is expected to be completed by June.

Built in 1927 by Goole Shipbuilding, Light Vessel No.12 Spurn was based at the Spurn station outside the Humber. The lightship was key to guiding vessels as they navigated the Humber estuary.

It was decommissioned in November 1975 then purchased by Hull City Council in 1983 and restored as the Spurn prior to being opened as a floating museum in Hull Marina.

The Hull Maritime project also encompasses the major refurbishment of Hull’ Maritime Museum and Dock Office Chambers, the creation of a new visitor attraction at North End Shipyard, and a new home for the restored former trawler Arctic Corsair.