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The Spurn Lightship played a key role in Hull’s maritime industries by guiding vessels as they navigated the Humber estuary.

Spurn Lightship on its way to Hull Marina following restoration

The Humber is regarded as one of the world’s most treacherous waterways, and even today river pilots are required to guide ships in and out. Built in 1927 by Goole Shipbuilding, Light Vessel No.12 Spurn was based at the Spurn station outside the Humber.

The Spurn returned to its original position after the war and served there until replacement by a new vessel in 1959. At this point, the Spurn was renamed Bull, repainted red, and moved to the Bull station inside the river until being decommissioned in November 1975. The vessel was purchased by Hull City Council in 1983 and restored as the Spurn prior to being opened as a floating museum in Hull Marina.

The Spurn Lightship is now berthed close to Murdoch's Connection.

The Spurn Lightship in its new location

As part of Hull Maritime, the Spurn Lightship has been fully restored with new interpretation and displays to tell its full story.

With increased access, it will remain in Hull Marina and continue to act as a signpost for the city centre, the marina and Hull’s other fantastic museums. The Spurn’s presence on the key route in and out of Hull is a constant reminder that our maritime heritage is never far away.

Did you know?

  • The Spurn Lightship’s official name is ‘Light Vessel No.12, Spurn’
  • The Spurn Lightship was built in Goole in 1927
  • In 1939, its position was moved within the Humber as part of the Naval river defence boom
  • After World War II, it was moved back to her original position until being decommissioned in 1975
  • Having been acquired by Hull City Council in 1983, it has been a key landmark within Hull Marina ever since
  • The Spurn Lightship (LV No. 122) is part of the National Historic Fleet, recognised for its significance by National Historic Ships
  • The Spurn Lightship never had an engine
  • The vessel was towed into place and anchored. Crews and supplies were ferried on and off
  • Today, the Spurn Light Float and modern navigation take on the role the Spurn Lightship once did

Funding for the wet berth on Hull Marina has been provided for by National Highways. National Highways manages four designated funds, allocated by the Government, to deliver benefits above and beyond building, maintaining and operating England’s strategic roads.

From protecting the environment and enhancing the landscape around roads, to improving safety, reducing congestion, and supporting communities, the aim is to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Increased access on board the Spurn Lightship

Following a 14-month restoration, the Spurn Lightship returned to Hull Marina on 9 March 2023. Watch the move here.

Take a look at some before and after images of the restoration here.

The Spurn Lightship moved to its new, permanent berth on Hull Marina on Tuesday 27 February 2024. Take a look at the gallery here.

Final elements need completing before the Spurn Lightship is ready and it is expected to reopen to visitors in spring 2025.

If you are interested in volunteering onboard the lightship visit here.