30th September 2026
Work is progressing at North End Shipyard as the next phase of the works to open the Arctic Corsair moves forward, bringing the trawler a step closer to opening to visitors in spring 2027.
The trawler arrived at her permanent home on Friday 14 August, following a move from Albert Dock. Now safely dry-berthed within North End Shipyard, contractors are carrying out a series of essential works that could only begin once the vessel was in her final position.
The new dock gate has been fully sealed and welded into position, with concrete works now progressing to complete the permanent closure of the dock. This follows the successful completion of the major dredging operation, including the treatment of the water and removal of the remaining spoil from the North Dock.
Surveys have been undertaken around and beneath the trawler now that she is in the exact position within the dock. This has provided the final measurements needed to progress the new access arrangements, including the main staircase and bridge onto the ship, a raised steel deck within the central dock, a secondary emergency staircase and a new platform lift to ensure access for visitors.
Once complete, these structures will allow visitors to board the Arctic Corsair and also descend into the dry dock, providing a completely different perspective of the vessel from below and gain a greater understanding of the scale and engineering of Hull's last surviving sidewinder trawler.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “It is fantastic to see work continuing at pace as we move towards opening this remarkable attraction to the public in spring 2027.
“Since the vessel arrived at North End Shipyard, significant progress has been made in preparing both the ship and the surrounding site. From preparing the access structures and visitor facilities to installing exhibitions that will bring Hull’s fishing and shipbuilding heritage to life, each stage is helping to transform the Arctic Corsair into a truly unique visitor experience.
“Visitors will not only be able to step aboard Hull’s last surviving sidewinder trawler but also explore the dry dock beneath her and discover the stories of the men and communities connected to Hull’s world-renowned fishing industry.”
The next steps
Across the wider shipyard site, activity is continuing, with the concrete structure surrounding the new dock gate and supporting infrastructure advancing over the coming weeks.
The drainage system within the South Dock is substantially complete, with the new pumps installed, while work will now progress on the Central Dock drainage. This will include new pipework, a pumping sump, rising main and associated equipment to manage water within the dry dock once the attraction is operational.
Work is also progressing on the new access structures and the railings around the site. This includes the restoration of sections of the historic dock railings to retain this shipyard’s historic character alongside new gates and edge protection required to create safe visitor routes around the Arctic Corsair and through the shipyard.
Inside the new visitor centre, fit-out contractor Marcon has begun installing exhibition displays, cases and technology which will tell the story of the Arctic Corsair and the 400 years of shipbuilding history associated with North End Shipyard.
Interpretation will also extend onto the trawler itself, enabling visitors to discover more about life on board and the experiences of the crews who worked on Hull’s distant-water trawlers in the harshest conditions.
As the current contractors complete their respective packages of work through the autumn, the focus will increasingly move towards completing the visitor infrastructure, interpretation, landscaping, testing and operational preparations.
Together, these final stages will transform North End Shipyard into a major new heritage attraction, ensuring the Arctic Corsair continues to share Hull's maritime story with future generations when she opens to the public in spring 2027.
