Bad weather halts SS Robin’s return to Thames after 2-year repair

THE world’s oldest complete steamship, the SS Robin, has been held up on its historic return voyage to the Thames after its emergency repairs costing close on �2 million.

THE world’s oldest complete steamship, the SS Robin, has been held up on its historic return voyage to the Thames after its emergency repairs costing close on �2 million.

It was supposed to have arrived at Tilbury this week, but bad weather has delayed weighing anchor at Lowestoft where she has been under urgent repair and renovation for two years.

The ship, which had to be shifted from its Canary Wharf mooring to make way for the Crossrail station construction on the Isle of Dogs, was due to leave Lowestoft on Sunday after completing a major overhaul to the hull and an overall refit.

The �1.9m programme of conservation works paid for by Crossrail was completed in the summer, converting the ship built 1890 into a floating museum.

But before she reaches East London, the SS Robin has been given a temporary home by Forth Ports, owners of the Port of Tilbury, while the Trust which owns the vessel looks at options for a permanent berth on the Thames.