Historic lightship navigates final journey to new home

HOME: Spurn Lightship in position at its new wet berth. Picture courtesy of Hull City Council and Octovision Media

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Hull’s Spurn Lightship has moved to its new home on Hull Marina.

The lightship has made the short journey to a permanent berth close to Murdoch’s Connection footbridge, following works by engineering specialist Spencer Group which involved removing tonnes of silt, installing new steel moorings and a walkway.

Preparations for the lightship’s reopening to the public this spring are well underway, with a team of volunteers working to get it ready as a floating museum once again.

ON THE MOVE. Spurn Lightship making the journey to its new permanent home. Picture courtesy of Hull City Council and Neil Holmes

The fit-out will focus on new projections, film, immersive sound and graphics, so visitors can explore the lightship and its rich story.

Spurn Lightship has undergone major restoration by local ship repair company Dunston Ship Repairs. It has kept as much original material and fittings as possible whilst ensuring the vessel is well placed to survive continued exposure to the elements and operate as a visitor attraction. 

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “This is a tremendous achievement and is the final piece in the jigsaw before Spurn Lightship can re-open to visitors and everyone can enjoy the attraction once again.”

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 Spurn Lightship prior to being opened as a floating museum in Hull Marina.

The restoration of Spurn Lightship is part of Hull Maritime, a transformational project led by Hull City Council and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It encompasses the major refurbishment of Hull Maritime Museum and Dock Office Chambers, the creation of a new attraction at North End Shipyard and the new home for the restored Arctic Corsair.

Richard Green-Morgan, head of civils at Spencer Group, said: “We are pleased to complete works enabling the movement of the historic Spurn Lightship, with the help of our supply chain partners Humber Work Boats and AJ Engineering.

“We hope the new berth will enhance the city’s maritime heritage for future generations.”