26th February 2024
Hull’s Spurn Lightship has moved to its new home on Hull Marina.
Today, Tuesday 27 February, the lightship made a short journey to a permanent berth close to Murdoch Connection, taking prime position in Hull Marina once again.
Spencer Group began work in January 2024, which involved removing tonnes of silt, the installation of new steel moorings and walkway.
Preparations for the opening in spring 2025 are underway, with a team of volunteers on-hand to get the lightship ready as a floating museum once again.
Interpretation will now be installed and will showcase the history and what it was like to live and work on board.
The fit out will focus on new projections, film, immersive sound, and graphics so visitors can explore the lightship and its rich story.
Spurn Lightship has received major restoration by local ship repair company, Dunston Ship Repairs and kept as much original material and fittings as possible whilst ensuring the vessel was well placed to survive continued exposure to the elements and operate as a visitor attraction. Decades of gradual deterioration was addressed including water leaks causing corrosion and decay. The original teak deck was preserved and cleaned along with extensive repairs to the steelwork, before being shotblasted and repainted.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “Now the new berth near Murdoch’s Connection is complete, the lightship will make one final move within Hull Marina. This new berth will become its permanent resting place for years to come.
“This is a tremendous achievement and is the final piece in the jigsaw before the Spurn Lightship can re-open to visitors and everyone can enjoy the attraction once again. Spurn being moved to her long-term home is the first element of Hull Maritime project and something to really look forward to.”
Richard Green-Morgan, Head of Civils at Spencer Group added: “We are pleased to complete works enabling the movement of the historic Spurn Lightship, with the help of our supply chain partners Humber Work Boats and AJ Engineering. We hope the new berth will enhance the cities maritime heritage for future generations.”
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.
Take a look at an online gallery and video of the move here.
