Heritage steamship SS Shieldhall has returned to her home-port of Southampton following an annual dry dock in Falmouth looking pristine and ship-shape ahead of her first 2026 sailing on 23 May.
The annual dry dock allows the hull to be cleaned and inspected by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), who also carried out several surveys as part of their long term rolling programme.
As part of Shieldhall’s ongoing conservation programme, small areas of the hull below the waterline were replaced with new steel plates to ensure its long-term integrity. This was achieved through support from a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant awarded to The Steamship Shieldhall Charity earlier this year. Other work included application of anti-fouling coatings to the worn sections; maintenance of the chain lockers and installation of new anodes to protect the ship’s hull from corrosion over the coming year.
Chairman Martin Phipps was delighted with the work undertaken: “It’s very re-assuring to know that an MCA inspection has confirmed that Shieldhall is in excellent condition for her age and ready to welcome guests on board. Our volunteers are now looking forward to trips along Southampton Water, into the Solent and further afield, commencing in under three weeks time. We have an exciting programme of cruises including a first-weekend 24 May ‘Action Stations!’ sailing where we will stage an exercise with Solent Rescue; an inaugural ‘Shanty Weekend’ with performances from The Kings Pond Shantymen and the Selsey Shantymen; plus trips to view The Round Island Race and Cowes Fireworks and cruises to Portsmouth and Poole Harbours.
“Our trips vary in length from 2hr cruises to all-day sailings, so hopefully there is something in our sailing programme for everyone to enjoy. Our volunteers are very proud that Shieldhall is listed as the ‘Number 1 thing to do in Southampton’ on Trip Advisor, and we look to give our guests the ultimate steam experience.”
Shieldhall Chief Engineer Graham Martin said: “People often ask why we need to go to dry dock every year and why we travel to Falmouth, over 160 nautical miles away. Given that the ship is over 15 years old, MCA rules state that Shieldhall must have an annual out-of-the-water inspection. Whilst there are dry docks in Portsmouth, these are currently not available to commercial shipping. We’re very thankful to the team at A&P Falmouth for looking after us so well, and also to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support.”
On all Shieldhall 2026 cruises, guests have the opportunity of visiting the ship’s impressive Engine and Boiler Rooms under steam; to meet the Captain on the Bridge; walk the teak decks and to listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent. A wide range of refreshments is available on board.
For more information on all the cruises mentioned, including details of prices and joining instructions, plus a full list of 2026 sailings, please visit www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk, or call the Ticket Manager 023 8155 0242.
