Tug boats aren't often thought of as the most glamorous vessels but they have a very important history. Whenever you think about the great ocean liners or even the great battleships, you have to remember that the humble tugs were responsible for getting them in and out of port. In addition, tugs were often at the forefront of new technologies in the areas of propulsion and the like.

It's therefore only fitting then that some people have decided that historic examples of the humble tug should be preserved or restored for future generations to see. It's not always an easy task though as many tug boats had long and hard lives that left them far from being the ideal restoration candidates. However, it's good to know that there are people around dedicated to taking on these tough projects.

Tug Tender Calshot (I)

Type (as built): Iron Steam Twin Screw Tug Tender
Built: 1930
Removed From Service: 1986
Currently Situated: Southampton Docks

The tug tender Calshot is an important vessel and it has an important history. If you look at photographs of the great 1930's cruise liners in Southampton Docks then more likely than not you'll see Calshot there. As a member of the Red Funnel line, Calshot not only manoeuvred great liners such as the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mary, the United States and the France, but also acted as a luxury tender carrying passengers such as movie stars and politicians to and from these prestigious liners. Calshot even put in vital service during World War II ferrying troops to and from the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mary on the River Clyde.

It's perhaps a little surprising then that the restoration of Calshot hasn't been as straight forward as you might think. Calshot was bought by Southampton City Council in 1986 after finishing service in Galway for Port & Liner Services (Ireland) Ltd. under the name Galway Bay. However, twenty-two years later, Calshot has still not been completely restored. If you bear in mind that the vessel was probably originally built in less than a year, you start to understand what a long process a restoration project can be. Of course, the restricting factor has been... read more...