Vital work has begun on one of Grimsby’s most famous ships to ensure future generations can learn about its maritime past.
From painting works to helping prevent rusting, there is plenty going on to keep the Ross Tiger in ship shape.
One of 13 in the cat class of trawler, the Tiger is getting a full external repaint and is having replacement anodes attached to the hull to prevent corrosion of her hull for the next 5 years.
Additionally, two of the firms working on her are the exact same that helped turn her into the ship we know today back in 1993 when she arrived at the museum. After her life as a trawler, Ross Tiger worked as an emergency standby vessel for oil rigs in the newly emerging North Sea oil industry.
However, following the devastating effects of the Piper Alpha explosion in 1988, it was deemed that these former trawlers were not suitable as standby boats with many, like Ross Tiger, being repurposed.
Owned by CAM Shipping at the time, the Tiger was sold to the Council for just £1 in 1991 and brought into the dock where it sits now. Coincidentally, the £1 coin that was used in the purchase was later gifted to the museum and is proudly displayed with the Bill of Sale in the Skipper’s Cabin – try to spot it next time you’re aboard!
The restoration team at Great Grimsby Borough Council identified original fixtures that needed to be replaced to return her to her fishing appearance. This included sourcing a mast from the Grimsby trawler Crystal Palace and an original Robertsons Electric Trawl Winch from the Grimsby trawler Huddersfield Town. The firm carrying out these works were a local ship builders called Harris and Garrod – the same firm who have attached the anodes to the ship in the most recent spate of repairs and maintenance.
How do the anodes work?
The 42 anodes are bolted to the side of the boat and are hung over the side, acting as a “sacrificial metal”, meaning these will corrode first instead of the ship itself.
The anodes hanging over the side of the hull
Ultimately, this protects the vessel and keeps it in a better condition for longer. The life time of these anodes depends on a range of factors such as the salinity of the water and can be made from numerous metals like magnesium, aluminium and zinc.
What else is happening?
In addition to the anode works, local firms are helping with an external repaint of the ship, including Bird and Goodwin, who painted the ship when she first came in 1993. Additional painting is also being done by Coopers Painting Contractors of Grimsby. Dave Cooper, company director, is the son of Skipper Dave Cooper; a well-known skipper of Ross Tiger’s class of vessels. Painting will be taking place both internally and externally around the ship.
Marine Consulting Engineers, Beckett Rankine of London, will also be performing some inspection work and load testing to the mast of the ship, prior to repainting and it is also hoped that some repairs will be made to the ships navigation lights to allow then to shine in winter evenings and special events.
These works are part of a series of ongoing works to help repair and maintain, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
By carrying this out, it means groups of school children, residents and visitors to the town can continue to learn about Grimsby’s past and the vocation that made the town what it is today.
For David Ornsby, Operations Manager at the centre, this is a momentous occasion. He said: “We’re delighted that in Ross Tiger’s 70th year afloat we are able to do this extensive work that will help to keep her looking as she should for Grimsby and our visitors.
“This funding, and support of our Facilities Management colleagues at NELC, are allowing for crucial works to take place that will extend the ships life with us. We are continually looking for opportunities for funding and will be working to do all we can to ensure that this icon of our town and local heritage story can continue to perform her vital role for many years to come.”
Councillor Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, added: “This is great news for the borough and for those who risked their lives fishing in these boats.
“It’s amazing work that is being done and to be using the same firms who helped get this ship ready in the 90s is frankly amazing.
“This is nothing but good news for North East Lincolnshire and I’m thrilled to see it all come to fruition.”
For more information on the Fishing Heritage Centre, visit Discover the Fishing Heritage of Grimsby
Main image caption: Jessie Harris (right) and Ollie Garrod (left) are working in the current team with Jessie’s grandfather and Ollie’s father both involved in the 1993 renovation with the families business, Harris and Garrod.
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