On Friday 14 August, Hull’s historic trawler Arctic Corsair sailed its final journey into its new home in the North End Shipyard.
Arctic Corsair left Albert Dock at 6.20am in ideal weather and tidal conditions, accompanied by tugboats along the Humber Estuary and the River Hull before entering its new berth for the last time.
The complex operation’s success is the result of many years of planning and close collaboration, involving Hull City Council, Beckett Rankine, Dunston’s Shipyard, Humber Tugboats, Spencer Group, Hull Esteem Consortium, the Environment Agency, and NASH Maritime.
The new lock gate was installed later that day, sealing the ship into the North End Shipyard permanently.
The relocation operation came after Arctic Corsair’s extensive restoration at Dunston’s Shipyard, which included restoring and preserving the bridge, crew quarters, fish hold and tank spaces; replacing the timber decking; blasting and repainting the hull and other steel structures; and sympathetically introducing a concealed lift and viewing portal to improve accessibility for visitors.
In our role as Client Naval Architect, Engineer and Technical Supervisor, Beckett Rankine specified and oversaw the restoration works of the vessel and the North End Shipyard, as well as helping to manage the relocation operation. We have provided expert advice, design and project management services to the Hull Maritime project since 2018, supporting the protection and conservation of the city’s maritime heritage.
John Monasta, Beckett Rankine’s Head of Naval Architecture, said,
“Relocating a historic vessel is no small feat, and we are incredibly proud of our part in the Arctic Corsair’s final voyage. The operation went as smoothly as anyone could have hoped, much to the relief of all involved!
Arctic Corsair means so much to Hull – seeing how many people turned out from dawn to watch it sail for the last time really shows the value that maritime heritage holds for local communities.”
The final phase of work will focus on preparing the vessel for visitors, including installing access walkways between the ship and the visitor centre, before its eventual opening as a visitor attraction.
Click to enlarge images. Drone photo: Spencer Group.
