UK: Shorheam Port’s Dry Dock to Refit Historic Steam Tug Challenge

The 1931 built steam tug Challenge has been provided with a restoration grant of almost £909,440 (approx USD 1.5 mln) from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Challenge is owned by Dunkirk Little Ships Restoration Trust and they have embarked on restoring the tug in Shorheam Port’s dry dock.

The dry dock is well-equipped and provides a secure location for the initial assessment of the tug. The Port’s experienced engineering team will be docking the tug on Monday to enable the assessment of the tug to take place, including the condition of the hull, thickness tests and removal of the rudder ensuring the tug will remain water tight while the full restoration takes place. The tug is expected to be docked for one week for the initial examination.

The major re-fit has been scheduled for November and the Challenge will be back in Shoreham Port’s dry dock for about a month. A key requirement for the Challenge is the removal of the existing boiler. The boiler is over 3 metres long and 5 metres in diameter so a considerable amount of the superstructure will need to be carefully removed and restored once the new boiler is fitted. Other essential tasks to be undertaken include the restoration of the steam plant and the updating of the electronic navigation equipment to modern safety standards.

After completion of the works the Challenge is due to be permanently moved to Southampton. The ultimate aim is for the tug to take part in the 75th anniversary commemorations of Operation Dynamo which saw some 330,000 allied troops rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk.

Keith Wadey, Assistant Port Engineer has over 30 years’ experience working and managing Shoreham Port’s dry dock. He said that “we are delighted to have the Challenge in and working on such a historic craft. Over the years we have docked tugs, square rigged sailing vessels, yachts, trawlers, workboats and small ferries, and provided a first class service each time.”

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Source: shoreham-port, May 4, 2012