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The newly restored SS Robin, the last remaining steam-coaster in the world, was airlifted by cranes onto a purpose-built floating museum pontoon at Lowestoft on Monday June 28.

The historic ship was lifted onto her new floating base in preparation for her return to London, where she will eventually take up her role as an innovative new museum and learning centre for young people.

Built in London in 1890, the SS Robin is a unique piece of maritime history, listed on the National Historic Fleet register and regarded as one of the most important British built ships.

The lift, a technically challenging and delicate operation, marks the penultimate milestone in a two year restoration of the historic vessel. The operation, at the Commercial Road slipway in Lowestoft, Suffolk, involves two heavy-lift cranes raising the 300 ton vessel off the quayside and onto the floating pontoon, starting around 9am and taking five hours.

Project Management consultants Kampfner Ltd are leading a technical team of East Anglian and London-based marine consultants, engineers, naval architects and shipwrights, together with Lowestoft and Southwoldbased boat builders in a world-first in historic ship conservation.

David Kampfner said: “We have developed a unique concept for SS Robin. The ship will be saved for the nation while enjoying a new lease of life on the River Thames as a museum and training centre.”

"We are privileged to be working with an excellent team of naval architects and conservation specialists from around the UK. There is a real sense of collaboration and everyone working to make history. This is a momentous occasion, marking a new chapter in the remarkable story that is SS Robin."

SS Robin, a classic Victorian coaster, is an irreplaceable member of the National Historic Fleet, of the type immortalised in John Masefield's much loved poem 'Cargoes'. She was brought to Lowestoft in 2008 from her home berth in London to undergo essential conservation work and repairs to her riveted structure.

More on this and other news in Sea Breezes Magazine - August 2010 Issue
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