Dover: The Road to Preservation

Laid up at Middlesborough. © Richard Moffatt

In an effort to save the last steam ship ordered by British Rail from the breakers yard, a group was formed to save the former Dover/Earl Siward. The intention of the Dover Steam Ship Company is to restore her back to full working order or as a floating museum moored in Dover Harbour.

 

The Earl Siward steams astern out of Calais, bound for Dover. © Kenny Whyte

Sadly the Dover Steam Ship Company is in a race against time. The ship is currently moored up in Middlesborough at a quay owned by Able U.K. Ltd and it is their intention to scrap the vessel. She is, as one can see from the photos below, in a rather sorry state.

A meeting was held at the Kings Hall in Dover on 8th February 2011 and was attended by over 50 locals drawn from the ranks of ex-ferrymen, steam ship preservationists, local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Dover, and interested townspeople.

Richard Moffatt, prime mover of the group commented, “We had several retired ferry chief engineers and deck officers, all willing to offer their advice and help and many who had actually worked on board the ship in her heyday.”

During the meeting a steering committee was formed with the intention to meet on a fortnightly basis to raise the funds needed to initiate the project.

“We are looking at a total of £200,000.00 to purchase and repatriate her to Kent with a further £50,000.00 to pay her expenses during the first year,’ commented Richard. After this the plan is to investigate  the instatement of the vessel as a seasonal seagoing coastal cruiser, utilizing the skills and talents of local workers with the emphasis on training youngsters in these fast disappearing trades. There also exists the alternative of restoration as a static museum /exhibition/training ship which will command similar skills.

 

 

Once acquired, the cost to fully restore the ship to operational condition has been estimated at a cool £14 million and most importantly the search is now on to provide a berth in Kent, preferably Dover. An association was also founded to support the mammoth fund raising task.

The Tuxedo Royale on the bottom, May 2011. © Kenny Whyte

The condition of the ship took a turn for the worse on 4th May 2011 when she sank at her lay-up berth. It also emerged that Able UK, who had been 'storing' the ship, found themselves £200,000 out of pocket since owners Absolute Leisure went into administration in 2009. The ownership of the vessel was confirmed as being in the hands of administrators Begbies Traynor.

The Tuxedo Royale at low water - note tide mark. © Michael Green

The Tuxedo Royale as built - the Dover. © Don Smith - Pictureships.