Project director David Kampfner said, 'Historic SS Robin was rapidly running out of time, and we're extremely grateful to Crossrail for this eleventh hour lifeline. Now we have a huge job to do, not just repairing the ship but fundraising to repay the loan. The SS Robin Trust was extremely concerned that we were facing a situation which threatened to jeopardise the future of the ship“

The ship, a miraculous survivor and unique symbol of Britain’s Victorian merchant fleet, is one of only three Grade One/Core Collection ships in London. Despite its historic importance as an irreplaceable example of the UK’s maritime and commercial heritage, its future had until recently  been uncertain.

Before construction of the new station begins, SS Robin was moved recently to the Small & Co yard in Lowestoft and taken out of the water in order that essential refurbishment of the 118 year old hull can begin. The ship will be repaired using so far as is practicable largely the same craft skills with which it was built in 1890, ensuring that the restored ship remains a time capsule of Victorian technology.

SS Robin is likely to remain in drydock for six months and then be towed back to London at the end of 2008 in order to continue the Trust’s learning programme with schools.

Mr Kampfner added, 'We now have a window of opportunity to attend to essential works in order to ensure Robin’s future. We’re a small volunteer led organisation with the fate and sole responsibility of one of the UK’s most important ships in our hands. It’s a daunting but very exciting situation for the Trust, but also for Londoners as a whole as the intention is to create a new and remarkable visitor landmark once she returns from refit.

'Until just last month SS Robin was in grave danger. We were facing the possible loss of a 118 year old ship, a fantastic education facility and a hugely successful volunteer conservation programme, both of which contributed to an inspirational new lease of life for this iconic symbol of our Merchant Navy.'

Following the successful partnership agreement with Crossrail, SS Robin will begin the first phase of repairs with immediate effect. Ahead of the ship’s move to drydock, the Trust had contracted work to dismantle and de-rig the masts, funnel, lifeboats and davits to Cutty Sark Enterprises. David Kampfner concluded, 'We are delighted to bring the expertise and professional knowledge of Cutty Sark’s conservation crew to the Robin project, beginning with this vital stage of the ship’s preparation for refit. We look forward to working closely with our friends onboard Cutty Sark to achieve this important milestone for SS Robin.'

Further information is available at www.ssrobin.org