Company hired to deliver key part of £30m maritime heritage project

An established shipyard company has been appointed to repair and restore two of Hull’s much-loved ships – the Arctic Corsair and Spurn Lightship.

With more than 100 years of experience in repairing ships, Hull firm Dunston (Ship Repairs) Limited, will undertake the work to secure the long-term future of the two vessels and give them a new lease of life as part of the £30.3m Hull Maritime project – funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Hull City Council.

This complex specialist work is a major part of the regeneration scheme to preserve and celebrate Hull’s maritime heritage.

Both ships will continue to play an important role in showcasing their national and historical significance to visitors and residents alike.

Hull’s last remaining sidewinder trawler, the Arctic Corsair will be the first vessel to be restored.

The ship was last moved from its original berth in August 2019. It will make its penultimate journey to the shipyard in William Wright Dock in the coming weeks.

Once restoration works are complete, the Arctic Corsair will then move to its final berth at the North End Shipyard on the River Hull.

Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “I am delighted to see this project is moving forward, and this decision is a key and important milestone.

“It is great to have a specialist shipyard on board who fully understands the importance of working closely with our curators and volunteers to restore these two ships and the significance they have within the city.

“Dunston’s will work to preserve the historical integrity of the ships, enabling visitors to discover their true physical connection to what makes them so special.”

David Renwick, director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re thrilled to see this element of Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City and the project as a whole progressing well.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, this important heritage item will be preserved to be enjoyed by locals and visitors from further afield, whilst also playing a significant role in boosting the local economy and aiding the wider regeneration of Hull.”

Richard Bourne, managing director and co-owner of Dunston (Ship Repairs) Limited together with David Clark, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this once in a lifetime contract to restore two of the city’s historic ships which are cherished by so many.

“We appreciate how important they are, what they mean to the city and the vital role they played in our maritime story.

“Dunston’s have a long and established history in restoring ships and we are proud to be able to work on these two significant vessels.

“Not only will the restoration of the ships support the local economy with most of the supply chain being from Hull, the opportunities to enhance the skills and learning of young people and our team will also be an important and exciting element of the contract.

“We are looking forward to working with the Hull Maritime team to create two special museum-ships that will be displayed on a national and international stage, for residents and visitors to explore and appreciate for decades to come.”

Also as part of Hull Maritime project, there will be significant improvements to develop three important sites: the Maritime Museum; the Dock Office Chambers and the North End Shipyard.

The new visitor attraction at the North End Shipyard is expected to open in summer 2023.