Spurn Lightship will receive a new coat of paint as it nears completion.
Even today, river pilots are required to guide ships into and out of the Humber estuary, one of the most treacherous waters in the world. The Spurn Lightship played a key role in Hull’s maritime industries.
After a year of restoration, the Spurn Lightship is being painted back to its original black colour with an airless paint machine.
During a shot blasting operation in June, decades of dirt and old paint were removed from the lightship. In order to prevent corrosion, new layers of primer have been applied and now a final coat of paint can be applied.
The work on the Spurn Lightship and the Arctic Corsair is being planned with maximum longevity and preservation in mind. A specially designed paint will be used to paint the Spurn Lightship, which is intended to last for 25 years in the environment it will be berthed in.
A highly specified red, antifouling paint will be applied to the bottom of the lightship to inhibit plant growth, as well as metal anodes to prevent corrosion.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “The restoration of one of Hull’s cherished vessels has reached a significant milestone.
“It is exciting to see the Spurn Lightship receive new paintwork as the finishing touches take place. The lantern and light are also being repaired and once this is complete, the lightship will return to a temporary spot in Hull Marina while work is completed to the permanent wet berth.
“It’s great to see the Spurn Lightship given a new lease of life for the residents of Hull and visitors alike to learn more about its role in navigating vessels along the Humber estuary.”
In the coming months, the Spurn Lightship will return to a temporary berth at Hull Marina while work is underway on the permanent wet berth at the new location. Objects and fit-out will be installed in preparation for the opening.
Hull Marina’s wet berth has been funded by National Highways. In addition to building, maintaining and operating England’s strategic roads, National Highways manages four designated funds allocated by the Government.
Located near Murdoch Connection and the Holiday Inn, the lightship is expected to open in the summer 2023.
Hull City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund are funding the Spurn Lightship restoration as part of Hull Maritime. In addition to the Arctic Corsair restoration, a new visitor attraction will be created at North End Shipyard, and Hull Maritime Museum and Dock Office Chambers will undergo a transformational renovation.
