Making waves: Spurn Lightship returns to Hull Marina after 14-month restoration

UNDER ESCORT: Spurn Lightship being towed along Hull’s waterfront. Picture by David Street Photography on behalf of Hull City Council

By Simon Bristow

It was just a short journey along the waterfront, but a significant one for the Hull Maritime project, as Spurn Lightship made her way back to Hull Marina after a 14-month restoration project.

Rewarding those who had risen early to watch the spectacle, the historic vessel left Dunston Ship Repairs on William Wright Dock at 6.15am today under tow from Deans Tugs.

Passing along Humber Quays, she was carefully laid alongside a temporary berth opposite Humber Dock Street, where she will remain until the completion of her permanent wet berth near Murdoch’s Connection.

The move marked the end of extensive and expert restoration work by Dunston Ship Repairs, which has been preparing Spurn Lightship for renewed life as a floating museum as part of the forthcoming Hull Maritime project.

Installation of an array of information displays telling the story of what it was like on board the lightship, and her important role in the navigation of the estuary, will now get under way until she reopens to visitors this summer.

NEARLY THERE: Spurn Lightship arrives in Hull Marina. Picture by Neil Holmes Photography on behalf of Hull City Council

Hull City Council leader, Councillor Mike Ross, was among those braving the elements to watch the move. He said: “Seeing the Spurn Lightship move along the estuary and return to Hull Marina was a delight. It was great to see people come out and welcome the lightship back to the marina, its home for so many years.

“The 14-month restoration has been worth it; the lightship looks fantastic, and Dunston Ship Repairs have done the city proud. Preparations for its opening are underway and we’re looking forward to seeing it reopen later this year.”

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 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 former trawler Arctic Corsair.