The race is on to save Britain's largest sea-going heritage steamship
One of the country's most important historic steam ships, S/S Shieldhall continues to struggle for survival. After raising an amazing £80,000 to fund its bi-annual “MOT”, the Maritime & Coast Guard Agency Surveyor detected extensive corrosion of some frames below the Engine Room deck-plates.
Passenger sailings are suspended until repairs can be funded and carried out. The cost of these repairs are likely to be extensive and into six figures. Whilst this is a major disappointment to supporters they are determined to fight on and get the ship sailing again, retaining a vital part of our maritime heritage.
Back in her home port of Southampton further discussions have taken place with the MCA Surveyor and a detailed assessment is being prepared of the work that must be carried out. We hope to shortly provide an accurate estimate of the costs involved. The existing dry dock fund will remain open, and donations will be essential to compensate for the lack of cruise revenue whilst the problem is resolved. However, it is unrealistic to assume that this will raise the full sum required. We need to turn to other forms of finance and we will shortly begin the process of applying for suitable lottery and heritage funding. A review is also being undertaken of all works necessary to ensure a vital part of our working maritime heritage survives for future generations to appreciate. We hope heritage bodies, corporate entities and the marine industry will rise to the challenge This process will take a long time and will affect the date when we expect to put "Shieldhall" back to sea.
Maritime historians highlighted the plight of the SS Shieldhall earlier this year, amidst ongoing concerns that Britain's maritime heritage is in decline and does not receive the same support as other aspects of our industrial heritage.
If the money cannot be found to get the SS Shieldhall back to sea, there is the possibility that she will suffer the same fate as the Mersey-based MV Wincham, which was scrapped in April 2009 for want of £60,000 dry-dock costs. In October 2010, the Grimsby paddle steamer, Lincoln Castle, was also broken up after a failed rescue attempt by enthusiasts. This new appeal has now been launched by the charitable body which runs the ship, The Solent Steam Packet Ltd.
Various fund raising activities will be planned and the website http://www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk will give details.
Donations may be made as follows:
Credit / debit card: visit http://www.justgiving.com/shieldhall or link from our website http://www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk or telephone 07751 603 190
Cheques (payable to The Solent Steam Packet Ltd): Shieldhall Dry-dock Appeal, The Solent Steam Packet Ltd, 15 Foxhayes Lane, Blackfield, Hampshire SO45 1XX
Gift Aid: UK Taxpayers please complete a Gift Aid Declaration to enable us to reclaim tax from HMRC. Forms are available from the Appeal address or via the website.
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