24th Jun 2011 / 8:39am
One of the country's most important historic steam ships 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.
Commented Vice-Chairman, Doug Brodie, “After the amazing fund raising efforts and donations to get “Shieldhall” into dry-dock, this is a particularly bitter blow and means that we have to start fund raising all over again. Nevertheless, our team of dedicated volunteers is determined that this fine old ship will be returned to sound condition and to passenger service and that she will do so just as soon as possible”.
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.
Shieldhall is very much a working ship. During this summer, we had plans to train apprentices from Southampton City College as a pilot scheme for National Historic Ships and are also embarking on training days for the Scouting movement. Both initiatives were aimed at getting
young people aboard to appreciate a part of Britain’s maritime heritage and to offer unique training opportunities. These were in addition to our normal excursion programme.
The SS Shieldhall is one of a small number of vessels recognised by the UK's ship 'listing' body, known as the National Historic Ships, and was named their 'Flagship' in 2009. As such, she's recognised as being of significant national importance and operates as a heritage attraction. All vessels 'listed' are considered a high priority for preservation, but unlike historic buildings, the UK's heritage ships aren't guaranteed financial support.
By way of comparison, English Heritage is planning to spend over £11million on property maintenance this year and The National Trust recently spent over £166million on routine property running costs, according to the last available figures.
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 our website www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk will give details.
Managing Director of the operations, Graham Mackenzie, said: “We rely solely on revenue from fares and donations for survival. Without emergency funding, the historic SS Shieldhall may not regain her passenger certificate and therefore her main source of income. The future prospects could be bleak if the funding is not forthcoming.”