SS Shieldhall is the country’s last steam powered cargo and passenger ship and the largest operational steamship in the UK. Shieldhall is unique and of recognised national significance as one of just 200 vessels forming the National Historic Fleet. Equivalent to Grade II listing for buildings. As a member of the Fleet, she is acknowledged by National Historic Ships as being of pre-eminent significance, providing an insight into the UKs maritime history and technology and meriting the highest priority for long-term preservation. In 2009 Shieldhall was the first ever recipient of the National Historic Ship’s Flagship of the Year award and again in 2018 “Shieldhall” is one of a few, operational steam powered triple expansion engine ships in the world. The technology that eclipsed sail on the world’s oceans and enabled reliable length voyages to be planned and made.
During the summer months (May - Sept) our activities focus on putting the ship to sea with fare-paying passengers and visiting other ports to enable a wider audience to appreciate this example of maritime heritage. We also run experience days specifically aimed at young people and these are undertaken both alongside and at sea. During the winter months our focus is on undertaking maintenance works to maintain Shieldhall in operational condition, to the standards of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). This leads to a Passenger Certificate being issued annually. The revenue generated from the summer programme of passenger sailings is our primary source of income.
As TripAdvisor #1 for Southampton in 2019, our last year of operation, speaks for itself. We offer day experiences for young people and volunteers are able to learn traditional skills and to the ability to raise awareness of the importance of maritime industries where 95% of UK imports and exports go through British ports.
We are an entirely volunteer organisation, with c. 90 active volunteers who participate in all aspects of maintaining, operating and managing Shieldhall and the Charity, as well as welcoming passengers on board. This has been assessed as approximately 25,000 man hours/year, equivalent to circa £220,000 if they were paid staff.
We also have work experience students from Brockenhurst College, which enables us to pass on our knowledge to young people and help them to consider options for their careers.Unfortunately, this had to be put on hold for 2020. In 2020, we had also planned to provide, on an informal basis, some practical experience for officers of the Royal Navy, but this will also now be deferred until 2021. We are looking to enhance learning and development for School Children and promote staging and land based maritime job opportunities.
