World's Oldest Complete Steamship Takes To The Skies

June 27, 2010 - PRLog -- SS Robin, the last remaining steam-coaster in the world, will be airlifted by two massive 600 ton cranes in a highly technical and challenging operation over June 27th & 28th.  

(Note to editors: video of the lift preparations at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm3ItYzNuVc )

The lift, in Lowestoft,  Suffolk, will be a dramatic and unprecedented operation to create a world-first floating museum.  

Two of the heaviest cranes in the UK will raise the newly restored 300 ton vessel off the quayside where she has been recently restored and onto her permanent new home.

The historic ship will be lifted in preparation for her return to London, where she will eventually take up her role as an innovative new museum and learning centre for young people.

Built in London in 1890, the SS Robin is a unique piece of maritime history, listed on the National Historic Fleet register and regarded as one of the most important British built ships.

Project Management consultants Kampfner Ltd, who bought the historic vessel for £1 from the owners of the Cutty Sark ten years ago, are leading a technical team of East Anglian and London-based marine consultants, engineers, naval architects and  shipwrights in a unique historic ship conservation project.

David Kampfner, Project Director, said: ““We've developed an exciting and entirely new concept for historic ships. This irreplaceable 'Grade 1' listed vessel is the only one left of her type, and will be saved for the nation.  She is set to enjoy a new lease of life on the River Thames as a museum dedicated to the seafarers who sacrificed their lives on the oceans far from home.

"We're privileged to be working with an excellent team of specialists from around the UK. There's a real sense of making history here today - a momentous occasion, marking a new chapter in the remarkable story that is SS Robin."

SS Robin, a classic Victorian coaster, is an irreplaceable member of the National Historic Fleet, of the type immortalised in John Masefield's much loved poem 'Cargoes'.  She was brought to Lowestoft in 2008 from her home berth in London to undergo essential conservation work and repairs to her riveted structure

SS Robin was brought to Lowestoft in 2008 from her home berth in London to undergo essential conservation work and repairs to her historic riveted structure.


PHOTO-OPPORTUNITY:  

A river launch will be available to the media offering the best vantage points of the lift - places are limited.

DATE:      MONDAY JUNE 28
TIME:         9.30AM - 1PM
LOCATION:      RIVER LAUNCH - BOARDING AT HAVEN MARINA, SCHOOL          ROAD, LOWESTOFT NR33 9NB

For further information please contact
David Kampfner
Project Director
Mobile 07836 231347
info@ssrobin.org

Notes to Editors:

The SS Robin Floating Museum is a contemporary conservation concept designed and delivered by Kampfner Ltd, lead project management team of the SS Robin Trust

www.ssrobin.org
www.kampfner.com
www.kampfnerblog.com

SS Robin is the world’s last remaining steam coaster built in 1890 in London - a symbol of an extraordinary period in British history when merchant shipping was the core of a determined spirit of entrepreneurship - the workshop of the world.

The SS Robin conservation scheme is a Crossrail legacy project - supported by a £1.9m loan from Crossrail
www.crossrail.co.uk

Please note these details are subject to change without notice.  We strongly advise that prior confirmation is made by calling 07836 231347 or email info@ssrobin.org

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SS Robin SS Robin is the world’s last remaining steam coaster built in 1890 in London - a symbol of an extraordinary period in British history when merchant shipping was the core of a determined spirit of entrepreneurship - the workshop of the world.