SS ROBIN Set To Make “Royal” London Return

On July 13, An irreplaceable icon of Britain’s maritime heritage, SS ROBIN, the world’s last remaining steam coaster built in 1890 will return to London on a barge.

The public is encouraged to witness history in the making on July 13, 2011 as the world’s last remaining steamcoaster is set to make a dramatic return to London’s Royal Albert Docks.

SS ROBIN, described as one of only three ‘Core Collection’ ships in the capital alongside CUTTY SARK and HMS Belfast, and the only one of these to have been built in London, will be making her first voyage back to the area where she was built over 120 years ago. She will be taking up a temporary mooring to complete final conservation work, and may even become a  permanent fixture.

Nishani Kampfner, CEO and Co-Founder of SS Robin Trust, said: “SS Robin is one of London’s secret treasures, and we’re encouraging everyone to come down to the Royal Albert Docks on the 13th to discover her. She’s one of the capital’s most important maritime symbols – and an amazing sight.  She’s been under wraps for the past three years undergoing extensive restoration work, and now this irreplaceable historic ship sits proudly on a new floating pontoon – like a precious sculpture.”

“Londoners will be able to take part in this historic event by watching her arrival from the Royal Albert dockside at 11am on July 13th.”

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales will welcome SS ROBIN to the Docks – recently declared one of the UK’s largest Enterprise Zones – in a special ceremony as she arrives late morning July 13th.  Sir Robin says the ship is a fitting icon for the transformation of East London.

For more information, please visit SS ROBIN‘s website

Interview with Nishani Kampfner, Project Manager, on what lies ahead for the newly restored steamship SS ROBIN