As a (near) 70 year old operational steamship, Shieldhall is required to drydock every year in order to maintain her passenger carrying certificate. Whilst our volunteers do everything possible to keep the ship in good order, we must recognise that certain works can only be carried out with the ship in dock. Year on year the cost of docking the ship increases and the income achieved through our summer sailing programme can no longer be expected to meet all of the costs of keeping the ship operational.
Steamship Shieldhall is one of just 200 vessels forming the National Historic Fleet (Certificate no. 66). Equivalent to Listed Building status. As a member of the Fleet she is formally recognised by National Historic Ships as being of pre-eminent significance, providing an insight into the UK's maritime history and technology, and worthy of the highest level of protection. Shieldhall has twice been named as National Historic Ship Flagship in recognition of her significance and the opportunity that she provides to engage wider audiences with maritime heritage.
Shieldhall is one of a few steamships that remain operational and the marine technology on board reflects that which allowed powered ships to replace sail to provide a more reliable voyage schedule and hence, passage times.
The fact that Shieldhall is operational, and that visitors are actively encouraged to visit her engine room, boiler room and bridge whilst she is at sea, means she offers the public a completely unique opportunity to engage with maritime heritage. She is the only ship in the UK that can give visitors the opportunity to experience, travel upon and explore a fully operational, historic steam cargo vessel.
In 2024 Shieldhall must go into dock before the sailing season starts. We need help to meet the cost of docking and appeal to all those supporters who share our determination to keep Shieldhall steaming.