Trial run of Arctic Corsair journey completed

STEADY AS SHE GOES: The journey along the River Hull

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

A trial run of the journey to relocate historic trawler Arctic Corsair has been successfully completed.

The trial took place on Monday, April 20, using Deans Marine tugboats and a barge of a similar size and profile to the Arctic Corsair, and saw the convoy travel from William Wright Dock, along the Humber Estuary and River Hull to North End Shipyard, replicating the route the trawler will take this summer.

The exercise tested the full navigation passage, including route, timings, tidal conditions, mitigations with identified obstacles and potential challenges associated with the move.

Observations and data gathered during the trial will now inform the dredging plans and a detailed passage plan being developed by NASH Maritime, specialist navigational risk experts appointed to support the project.

The trial will help ensure the relocation of Arctic Corsair is carried out as safely and smoothly as possible.

The trawler’s permanent new berth will be at the redeveloped North End Shipyard, also home to a new visitor centre, which together will form one of the landmark destinations in the Hull Maritime project.

Gillian Osgerby, programme director for Hull Maritime at Hull City Council, said: “This trial run provided a vital opportunity to test every aspect of the planned journey in real conditions. It has allowed us to identify and address potential challenges in advance and gives us confidence as we move closer to relocating this much-loved vessel.”

CORNERING: The barge is manoeuvred past The Deep

John Monasta, associate director of maritime heritage specialists Beckett Rankine, who have been assisting with the project, said: “Moves of this nature are always complex, particularly in a constrained river environment. Completing a successful trial run is a significant step and will allow the final passage plan to be refined to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency.”

Dredging works are expected to start next month to provide access for the removal of the existing dock gate, installation of the new structure, and the relocation of the trawler.

Further updates will be shared as work progresses towards the vessel’s move later this summer, the council said.

In March, historic safety vessel Spurn Lightship became the first of the multifaceted Hull Maritime visitor attractions to open to the public, berthed in its new home in Hull Marina after a 14-month restoration project costing £4m.

Other elements of Hull Maritime include the refurbished Maritime Museum, due for completion in summer, and the soon to be completed £21m overhaul of Queens Gardens, which will link the museum with North End Shipyard.

New paving and seating areas in Humber Dock Street and Princes Dock Street have been completed, as has a new bespoke storage centre at Dock Office Chambers.

Funded by the council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Hull Maritime is one of the biggest and most ambitious heritage projects in the North of England. It is expected to generate £5.5m for the city’s economy each year as well as delivering new employment, skills and training opportunities.