SS ROBIN COMPLETES MAJOR CONSERVATION WORKS

Photo credit: Kampfner Ltd

SS Robin, the world's oldest complete steamship, is scheduled to leave Lowestoft this weekend, on Sunday 12th September, after successfully completing two years of major conservation works.

The departure from Lowestoft marks the end of major structural and conservation works and the start of the final phase which, subject to securing additional funds for fitout, will see the ship transformed into a new style, 21st century museum and learning centre for London.

Successful completion of the bold conservation scheme marks a major milestone in the vessel's long history. The scheme, developed and delivered by Kampfner Ltd, is a world-first in historic ship conservation and has been successfully completed on time and on budget.

Nishani Kampfner, SS Robin Project Director, said "when SS Robin arrived in Lowestoft the 120-year old vessel was in a fragile state. After an extensive review of options the floating dock scheme emerged as a winning formula for the vessel's long-term conservation. The dock, which was commissioned in Poland, and SS Robin were finally integrated at the end of June 2010 in a massive crane operation.

Since then finishing works have been completed ahead of towing SS Robin back to the Thames this weekend."

The world’s oldest complete steam-coaster and London's most important London-built ship, SS Robin, will arrive at the Port of Tilbury on Monday 13 September, after London’s principal trading port stepped in to offer the newly restored ship a temporary home.

SS Robin Project Director, David Kampfner, explained:

" The ambitious, world-first concept which has been created for SS Robin displays the entire ship to the world for the first time.  Observers, followers and friends of the Trust will be able to see the newly restored ship on her brand new bespoke floating dock.

After two years of intensive conservation work to one of the capital's three Core Collection vessels, we are delighted with the generous offer from Tilbury which provides this important vessel with a temporary home on the Thames whilst options for  the fitout and for her future long-term home in London are finalised.

Source [SS Robin & Kampfner Ltd]