Historic steam coaster returns to London

An irreplaceable icon of Britain’s maritime heritage, SS Robin is one of only three ‘Core Collection’ ships in the capital alongside Cutty Sark and HMS Belfast, and the only one of these famous ships to have been built in London. The vessel was built in 1890 at the famous Thames Ironworks shipyard on the nearby River Lea.

The historic ship made the voyage from the Port of Tilbury under tow by a tug provided by Livett’s Launches of East London. Having resided for many years in moorings at Canary Wharf, SS Robin was towed to Lowestoft, where it underwent years of restoration works on the Small & Co slipway. Much of the highly specialised work was done by Harbour Marine Services in Southwold and the project included permanent mounting on its own pontoon.

SS Robin has taken up a temporary mooring at Newham Dockside to complete final conservation work, and may even become a permanent fixture.

Speaking ahead of yesterday’s event, Nishani Kampfner, CEO and co-founder of SS Robin Trust said, “SS Robin is one of London’s secret treasures, and we’re encouraging everyone to come down to the Royal Docks on the 13th to discover her.

“She’s one of the capital’s most important maritime symbols, and an amazing sight. She’s been under wraps for the past three years undergoing extensive restoration work, and now this irreplaceable historic ship sits proudly on a new floating pontoon like a precious sculpture. She’s the only ship in the world to be displayed in this way.

“With a life spanning three centuries, she represents an incredible story of risk, enterprise and endurance, and now she’s all set to take her place as a symbol of East London’s transformation in the run up to London 2012.”

Nishani Kampfner told MJ, ‘Funding is two thirds of the way there, with conservation and structural work already completed. The pontoon was built to Lloyds classification, just as SS Robin was in 1890. What remains to be done will enable the public to board safely and have an enjoyable visit whilst on board.”

For further information or to contribute, email: info@ssrobin.org