Hull is being transformed into Yorkshire’s Maritime City as Hull City Council shines a light on 800 years of maritime heritage.
As part of the city-wide investment, Beckett Rankine has been commissioned to support the restoration and conservation of two vessels – the 1910s Spurn Lightship and the 1960s trawler, Arctic Corsair.
We were appointed as the council’s representative Naval Architect in 2018. Since then, our role has evolved to offer our expert services in a wider project management capacity.
We have provided a full-service approach underpinned by technical advice and support to the clients, from condition surveys, specification of works and tendering, through to delivery and supervision of works.
Our client support has included managing their restoration of the ships in the shipyards, establishing and managing the delivery of suitable dock options, as well as managing the towing and drydocking operations, while coordinating project partners and stakeholders such as shipwrights, curators and architects across multiple phases of work for safe, efficient and productive results.
We have produced comprehensive Statements of Significant, Conservation Management Plans and Maintenance Management Plans for each vessel. These documents outline detailed information to aid the council’s conservation management for the foreseeable future, as well as demonstrating a structured plan and the means to maintain the vessels that satisfy the requirements of Heritage Lottery (HLF) funding.
Each vessel will join Hull’s heritage trail, allowing public access as floating attractions where visitors can gain insight into life aboard the ship, its primary functions and role in British maritime history.
In addition to the plans and restorations to be expected with conserving historic vessels, we have worked closely with the council, curators and architects to improve access for all.
We have found novel solutions to help wheelchair users and those who may find confined spaces challenging to get another perspective of the ships when onboard, while keeping with the spirit of the aesthetics and restoration needs of the vessel.
This included access to the Spurn Lantern, as well as a viewing portal for the Arctic Corsair that will allow visitors to view the engine room, a significant feature of the vessel but a difficult and dangerous space to fully access.
The project has overcome a variety of challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic and global politics impacting material sourcing and bureaucratic processes. Despite this, the project is on-track to be completed within the expected budget margins and to an exceptionally high standard.
Following 14-months of extensive restoration, Spurn Lightship won a prestigious conservation award in November 2023 – the Martyn Heighton Award for Excellence in Maritime Conservation 2023, awarded by National Historic Ships UK.
In February 2024, Spurn Lightship moved into her new, permanent home for the final stage of preparations ahead of opening to the public later in the year.
Meanwhile, Arctic Corsair has also undergone an extensive, sympathetic makeover and plans are in motion to prepare for her move into the North End Shipyard in early 2025.
