SS Shieldhall

See - http://www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk/Shieldhall/Appeal.html

Sounds like a tow to dry dock would work out cheaper for her? Perhaps 'a leading provider of marine services' who have tugs based in Southampton would be able to assist?

 

Thanks for posting the link.

Stan

 

Unless the tow is pretty much free, I can't see it working out cheaper than Shieldhall making the passage to/from the dockyard under her own steam, tbh. As for the total time - 5 days including passage - there can't be too much planned whilst she's 'on the blocks' either. However as all seafarers know, sometimes one gets unpleasant surprises once the ship's hull is inspected - I hope that this doesn't happen on this occasion.

I think that the idea of 'sponsoring a minute' is a good one though - fingers crossed for them.

 

You may be surprised with the price of a tow even if the full price had to be paid . . . market is tough just now with quite a few hulls available. I would be amazed if a towage both ways and at the arrival ports couldn't be secured for below the price mentioned - which I assume is at the present oil price for her? Market rate for a 30ton tug/workbat just now seems around 5000 to 6000 Euro a day excluding fuel and port dues etc . . .

Solent Towage and Svitzer both have tugs based in the port that are more than suitable. Perhaps Svitzer’s UK Director or Solent Towage’s Johannes Østensjø would look favourably on supporting this historic ship . . .

Certainly an avenue worth exploring in my view.

 

When you donate, if you are a UK tax-payer, please "Gift Aid" your money...

....the reclaimed extra 20% is very helpful, and it makes a chamge for the taxman to be made to help the heritage industry.

Applies to many organisations, by the way....

StoneRoad

 

Mmm, a sponsored tow is certainly worth investigating - however how much fuel does Shieldhall burn per day at full speed? 5 tonnes? That's about $5000. Obviously she'd not use any fuel whilst 'on the blocks' in drydock.

 

How she gets to the drydock is really neither here nor there the fact is they are asking for donations and by posting off a few bob we are showing our support and helping raise much needed funding.

Stan

 

As you once reminded me Stan, this is a discussion forum, so the towing issue is relevent if some members believe it to be.

 

Thank you, John.

 

Yes it is but the Shieldhall guys are also asking for help by way of donations so perhaps we should also remember that.

The point I ws trying to make was talk is not going to help them... and yes I have sent off my donation.

Stan

 

Well, here's another forum, primarily professional seafarers, discussing Shieldhall

http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/showthread.php?t=33263

Note that it's not just here that can head off at a tangent from the topic

 

Further update on the SS Shieldhall appeal:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-12112086

StoneRoad

 

scrapped? a bit far don't you think

 

A bit far maybe but I dont think we should take it for granted she will be around for ever unless we spare a notes and help. If Shieldhall becomes static I fear that will be the start of a slippery slope.

There are now a couple steamships now which are past saving (we have already lost PS Lincoln Castle) lets make sure Shieldhall doesnt become one of them.

You can make a donation on line its simple, a few coins or a few notes, it all helps.

Stan

 

According to the "dry-dock blog" from Falmouth, it appears that the passenger license will not be getting renewed by the MCA.

See: http://www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk/Shieldhall/Dry_Dock_Blog/Entries/2011/5/19_Day_3_Part_2.html

Doesn't sound good.

 

Oh dear...
http://www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk/Shieldhall/Press_releases/Entries/2011/5/24_Report_from_Falmouth.html

'Closer inspection of the hull structure below the engine room plates revealed extensive corrosion of the frames. '

OK for just her crew, on a one-off positioning voyage, but not for Passenger Certification. Fair enough. It's a simple enough routine job for a shipyard, but, as ever, finance will be the key

 

Hi marine people.

Might be worth SS Sheildhall's engineers calling Albion Drydock Bristol. This type of work is right up their street, and they have the dock to put herin. to do it Call them on 0117 9294507, they are very competative for non commercial shipping. being experts at building specialised smaller work craft, yet having the facilities to do good engineering and fabrication.

Regards TheEngineer

 

Is Shieldhall back in Southampton yet?

 

Bump!!

Took the two oldest on the Shieldhall (AKA The Mighty Turdshifter) on Sunday 15th, last trip of the season.

A fabulous day out, after a short visit to the Titanic Display in Sea City, we joined Shieldhall nect to the old QE2 Terminal.

We headed up to the top of the docks before turning & sailing down The Solent. As always we were made very welcome all over the ship. Oldest (17) was invited to blow the whistle by the Captain, who then handed the Typhon siren over to middle son (11) despite the combination of a small boy and a piece of noise making equipment being a generally unwise idea.

Previous short trips from Southampton have been rather pedestrian, but this time the engines were ticking over nicely at half ahead. We were down below when the bells went for full ahead off Fawley Power Station.

Throughout the trip there was much tooting as other ships went past, including the Red Funnel ferries & a cruise liner.

Interestingly enough we also 'blew soot' after a suitable warning

The general impression was of a very happy, welcoming ship with the Captain & Crew saying goodbye to passengers.

An excellent day out that I would recommend to you all.