Ross Tiger back open for business after restoration works

From painting to helping prevent rusting, there has been plenty going on to keep the Ross Tiger in ship shape.

One of 12 in the cat class of trawler, the Tiger is getting several areas repainted – including the iconic winch, 42 replacement anodes attached to the hull to prevent corrosion of her hull for the next 5 years, new information boards installed in the educational area of the ship, various inspections on the mast and much more. These works are part of a series of ongoing works to help repair and maintain, funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

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, the value of such vessels was truly recognised and it was deemed that purpose built ships with a larger safety capacity would be needed. Traditional trawlers in the role, like Ross Tiger, were then 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 this most recent spate of repairs and maintenance.
Other local firms that supported this work include Bacon Engineering, Bird and Goodwin, Lincs Electrical,  and Coopers Painting Contractors as well as marine consulting engineers, Beckett Rankine of London.

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 70^th year afloat we can 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, have allowed 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 to see the work finished and the ship looks like it has a new lease of life.

“This is nothing but good news for North East Lincolnshire and I’m thrilled to see it all come to fruition.”

Full list of works:

• Mast Close Visual inspection and load testing
• New bulbs in mast lights
• 42 anodes attached to the hull
• All superstructure repainted e.g. Wheelhouse and casings
• Winch stripped and painted
• Engine room repainted
• Classroom area refurbished and new display boards added
• Internal and external whaleback repainting
• Internal galley repainted
• Main crew corridor decorated
• Internal wheelhouse repainted
• Bridge top and funnel repairs and repainting

For more information on the Fishing Heritage Centre, visit Discover the Fishing Heritage of Grimsby