BY Sam Walker | Thursday 20 April 2023
Hull’s historic Spurn Lightship made its final journey to Hull Marina to a temporary berth on Thursday 9 March.
Preparations to move the lightship got underway from 6am and left Dunston Ship Repairs on William Wright Dock at 6.15am, making the short journey to Hull Marina.
The vessel was towed along the Humber estuary by Deans Tugs and made its way to Hull Marina, following a 14-month restoration programme, thanks to Hull City Council and National Lottery players.
Local ship repair company, Dunston Ship Repairs completed the work to give the Spurn Lightship a new lease of life and become a floating museum once again for visitors far and wide to enjoy.
Following a major restoration, the lightship returned to the temporary berth, opposite Humber Street until work to install a permanent wet berth near Murdoch’s Connection is complete.
The installation of an array of displays will tell the story of what it was like on board and information displays will now get underway.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, 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.”
Work to construct a permanent berth will get underway in the coming weeks and is expected to be complete by June 2023.
The Spurn Lightship is expected to reopen to visitors in summer 2023.
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 Arctic Corsair.
You can watch the relocation below.
The Spurn Lightship returns to Hull Marina - YouTube
Spurn Lightship returns to Hull Marina following restoration - YouTube
