Hull’s Arctic Corsair will move for the first time in 20 years on Sunday.
The country’s last distant water side-winder trawler will leave its spot on the River Hull near to the Museums Quarter.
Starting at 7am, LGSA Marine and Dean’s Tugs will undertake the complex operation to move the 693-tonne trawler down the river during high tide.
The vessel will be moved to a temporary berth provided by Siemens Gamesa with the support of Associated British Ports.
The move is needed because of the Environment Agency’s £60m River Hull flood defence scheme.
It is part of the ambitious Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City project, which will see the vessel preserved and then moved again to her final berth at a refurbished dry-dock at the North End Shipyard, off Dock Office Row.
A sketch of how the North End Shipyard may look once the Arctic Corsair has been dry-docked and a new visitor centre built. The site will also be home to the last ‘Scotch Derrick’ crane in Hull.
A final funding bid for £13.6m was submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund on Friday 24 May, with a decision is expected to be made in the autumn.
Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for economic investment, regeneration, planning, land and property, said: “Preparations for this significant and emotional move are well under way. This is the first step in an exciting journey for the Arctic Corsair as we continue to develop plans for the ambitious maritime project.
“She is a genuinely a unique survivor, veteran of the cod wars and representative of the fishing industry she worked in 60 years ago and it is only right we protect and promote her significance for the city, its people and the nation.”
The walkway to the west of the River Hull will be closed to the public during the move, though the marina and east side of the riverbank near Tower Street car park, The Deep, Sammy’s Point and along Victoria Dock will offer spectacular views.
Find more at maritimehull.co.uk
