Daniel Adamson Refloated after Dry Docking - Press release 9 June 2004
On Sunday June 06, 2004 the historic 1903 Birkenhead built tug-tender “Daniel Adamson” was refloated at North Western Ship Repairers’ Clarence Dry Dock in Liverpool. The refloating of the “Daniel Adamson” marked the completion of the initial stage of the vessel’s restoration. The dry dock work being undertaken by North Western Ship Repairers and society volunteers".

During dry docking the “Daniel Adamson” had been surveyed to confirm the structural integrity of the hull. Following a successful survey the hull was grit blasted, primed and painted. The vessel’s sea valves were overhauled and a few minor hull repairs completed.

Commenting on the refloating of the vessel, Dan Cross, founding director of the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society said: “The first phase of the project to save the “Daniel Adamson” has now been successfully completed. The society is grateful for the support shown by many companies and individuals which have enabled the initial stages of the project to be undertaken in such a short timescale. However, the refloating of the vessel only marks the end of the beginning, not the beginning of the end. Much work remains to be done over the next few years before the “Daniel Adamson” can steam again.

Following completion of the dry docking the “Daniel Adamson” will move to a berth provided for the society by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company for restoration work to continue.

“Daniel Adamson” Dry Docked and Surveyed - Press release 25 May 2004

Another significant step has been taken to secure the future of the historic 1903 Birkenhead built tug-tender “Daniel Adamson”. Last week the vessel was moved into dry dock to facilitate a full hull survey, grit blasting and painting.

The “Daniel Adamson” entered North Western Ship Repairer’s Clarence No.1 Dry Dock in Liverpool on Thursday May 20, 2004. The dry docking is of crucial importance to the project as it has enabled the society to confirm the structural integrity of the vessel’s hull and the viability of the project to preserve the vessel.

A Non Destructive Test [NDT] survey was undertaken on Friday May 21 by Mark Nichols. Whilst undertaking the test Mark commented that he was “Getting bored due to there being no flaws in the hull shell whatsoever.”

Marine surveyor Geoff Heaps who carried out a full survey for insurance purposes stated that he had no worries and that the “Daniel Adamson” was “extremely watertight and had no problems recommending her to the insurers for continued use afloat.”

Commenting on the positive result of the survey, Dan Cross, founding director of the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society said: “The result of the survey was a true testament to her build quality and the way she was maintained to the highest quality by the Manchester Ship Canal Company up to 1984.”

With the structural integrity of the hull confirmed the next step will be to undertake grit blasting and painting of the hull before the “Daniel Adamson” departs dry dock.

The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society has now launched its own Internet web site were society members and others interested in the project can find out about more about the vessel and keep up to date with the latest news. The web site can be found at: www.danieladamson.com .

Background

“Daniel Adamson” is a unique twin screw steam tug-tender constructed for the Shropshire Union Canal and Railway Company by the Tranmere Bay Development Company of Birkenhead in 1903. She is listed on the National Register of Historic Vessels and is the sole survivor of her type.
Originally named “Ralph Brocklebank” the vessel was purchased by the Manchester Ship Canal Company in 1921 where she served as the company’s hospitality tender carrying guests and dignitaries on official tours of the canal until late 1984 when she was retired from service. Since then she has been a static exhibit at the Boat Museum, Ellesmere Port.
The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society, a not for profit organisation, was formed on 21st February 2004 with the aim of saving this historic vessel and restoring her to her former glory and to see her active again within the Cheshire and Merseyside areas.
The Society would like to acknowledge the support of Svitzer Marine, The Manchester Ship Canal Company, North Western Ship Builders and Repairers, Liverpool Pilots and the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company and a number of other organisations and individuals.