As Hull’s last remaining sidewinder trawler, the Arctic Corsair, prepares to make her final journey on Friday, onlookers are preparing to watch the “complex operation” unfold from the early morning. The vessel will be dry-berthed in her new, permanent home at North End Shipyard.
Gillian Osgerby, programme director of Hull Maritime, said: “This is her final journey so it’s a really momentous day for the project team and the city. The Arctic Corsair represents a really important part of our maritime heritage and history, telling a story of our trawling industry and the dangers on board, but also celebrating an amazing group of men that helped feed a nation.” Osgerby said the visitors’ centre, the restored Scotch derrick crane and the dry-docked Arctic Corsair makes the North End Shipyard “a new visitor attraction for the city”. “Visitors can walk through the newly refurbished Queen’s Gardens to the Maritime Museum, and then to Hull Marina,” she said. This is part of the £17m investment in Hull’s maritime past.
The Arctic Corsair has undergone extensive refurbishment and restoration and is now ready for its new home. Dunston Ship Repairs has been working hard on the ship since it began work nearly five years ago. Work has included a complete repaint, steel repairs and “anything else that needed doing”, said Matt Clark from the company. He said: “There has been a lot of pride put into the work.”
The move, scheduled for Friday, has been planned according to tidal patterns, weather forecasts, river conditions, bridge operations and navigational safety. Final timings may change to make sure the vessel arrives safely. She will depart Albert Dock from approximately 5.45am, before travelling along the Humber Estuary and then up the River Hull in what organisers are calling a “complex operation”. The move marks the final chapter in the Arctic Corsair’s sailing life.
To allow the journey to take place, the Millenium Footbridge, Myton Bridge, Scale Lane Footbridge and Drypool Bridge will all open in a carefully coordinated sequence, enabling the trawler and supporting tugs to navigate safely along the river to North End Shipyard. Drivers are advised to plan their journeys in advance, as bridge openings may cause temporary disruption. Timings may change at short notice “due to the complexity of the operation”.
The journey requires close coordination between multiple agencies and partners, with the vessel’s passage dependent on a narrow high‑tide window to allow her to be safely manoeuvred into dry dock at North End Shipyard.
Councillor Jackie Dad, deputy leader and portfolio holder for culture at Hull City Council, described the move as “exciting”. She said: “We are really invested in getting her down there. It’s a massive part of our culture. Hull has got a really rich culture and a really strong heritage. She will reflect our fishing industry, that trawling industry, the maritime feel of the city. And I’m sure there will be people watching tomorrow that have families or have relatives, a bit of a tear in the eye and they’ll be waiting to see her down there and see her next year when she’s available to visit.
“The Arctic Corsair is an important part of Hull’s maritime story, and this final journey is a significant moment for the city. Moving her to a permanent dry berth will help secure her future, allowing us to preserve and celebrate this iconic vessel for generations to come. I know many people will want to witness this historic occasion, and I’d encourage everyone attending to do so safely and follow any advice given on the day.”
Photos by Donna Clifford for Hull Live.