SS Robin returns to its London birthplace

SS Robin, the world’s last remaining steam coaster ship, built in 1890, returned to London’s Royal Albert Docks. The iconic ship of British maritime heritage will open as an attraction in 2012 in the run up to the 2012 Olympics

SS Robin, the worlds last remaining steam coaster ship, built in 1890, returned to London‘s Royal Albert Docks at 11am this morning. Built 120 years ago, at this same spot on the Thames, the National Historic Fleet vessel will be docked for extensive conservation work.

The ship will be on show on a specially made floating pontoon and will add to the two other ‘core collection ships’ on the Thames; the Cutty Sark and HMS Belfast.

This exciting piece of British merchant shipping history will eventually open to the public as an attraction and learning centre in 2012 in the run up to the Olympics.

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 experiencing her first day at the Royal Albert dockside on July 13th.  www.ssrobin.org