A restoration project of the iconic turbine steamer, TS Queen Mary at Govan Graving Docks is set to generate new jobs on the Clyde.

The TS Queen Mary on Friday was moved from its current berth at Glasgow Science Centre to Govan Graving Docks, the first ship to be berthed at this historic facility in almost 40 years. 

Marine Projects Scotland Ltd has been awarded the contract to project manage and undertake the first phase of major restoration and repair work on the TS Queen Mary.

The year-long project will help preserve the iconic ship and will also create much-needed employment opportunities for up to 12 people, bringing associated community benefits to the Govan area.

The scope of the restoration work will be extensive and structurally complex, starting with a 3D laser map scan of the ship’s structure, prior to the removal of the two funnels and wheelhouse, which will be completely rebuilt.

The ship will be encapsulated for the removal of the windows and teak boat and promenade decks, which will receive underdeck stiffening, before being replaced with completely new steel decks, all of which is necessary to bring the steamer back into active service.

All of this work will meet Classification Society (Bureau Veritas) and MCA regulations, ensuring that the ship, upon completion, will be able to return to active service.

Peter Breslin, Managing Director of Marine Projects Scotland Ltd said: “It is a tremendous honour to be awarded the TS Queen Mary restoration contract. In the coming year, we will devote ourselves tirelessly to safeguarding, protecting and reviving this exquisite and historically significant vessel.

“Securing this contract is testament to our commitment and confidence in the business viability of Govan Drydock. As a fully operational ship repair and maintenance facility, it has the capacity to generate employment opportunities and contribution to the ongoing reinvigoration of the Clyde waterfront.”

Iain Sim, Chairman of Friends of TS Queen Mary, added: “The Trustees are delighted that this major contract will commence in TS Queen Mary’s 90th anniversary year. It will be truly transformative for this vital part of our maritime heritage. This major structural work will help breathe new life into TS Queen Mary and ensure she will be in the best possible condition for years to come.”

Harry O’Donnell, Chairman, New City Vision who own the site, said: “We are delighted that such a historic ship as the TS Queen Mary will be restored at our site in Govan. It is testament to the hard work that Marine Projects Scotland Ltd has done to date on Dock No1 that it is now in a position to be brought back into working order for the first time in more than 40 years.

“The restoration of Dock No1 is an important part of our wider vision to bring the Govan Graving Docks back into use, alongside the creation of new homes, commercial use and thriving new community spaces including a new riverside park and active travel routes through the site, all of which are currently undergoing extensive consultation.”

In her heyday, the Dumbarton-built ship, launched in 1933, once carried King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt, and was known as Britain’s finest pleasure steamer. During World War II, she became a vital lifeline for Scotland’s island communities, carrying around 13,000 passengers each week.

Queen Mary has been out of service for 35 years. The Charity “Friends of TS Queen Mary” brought her back to the Clyde in 2016. Since then, she has been berthed at Pacific Quay, next to the Science Centre.

In 1996, Queen Mary was listed on the UK’s official historical ships register and is now the last of her kind in the world.

The veteran vessel turbine steamer, TS Queen Mary will once again sail on the Clyde, Scotland, according to the National Historic Ship UK, as it is hoped to be in service offering cruises by the summer of 2024

UK royal family member, Princess Anne made the announcement during a visit to Pacific Quay in Glasgow, three years to the day since she became the ship's Royal Patron.

The announcement reflects a change of plan by the Friends of TS Queen Mary (charity), which is tasked with its restoration. Originally, it was planned that TS Queen Mary would be permanently berthed at Pacific Quay next to Glasgow Science Centre and have a heritage and maritime training focus.

Now it has been decided that TS Queen Mary is to sail again, supporting the post-pandemic recovery and providing a boost to Scotland’s tourism and Clyde coast resorts such as Rothesay and Dunoon, which were once familiar destinations.

Since restoration work began, Friends of TS Queen Mary have raised and invested £3.8 million of cash and in-kind support in the project. Many supporters have given generously of their time and resources, and a number of celebrities also have pledged their support, including actor and author Robbie Coltrane OBE, who remains Patron of the charity.

During the restoration TS Queen Mary has forged strong links with City of Glasgow College which, among its many courses, offers Nautical Studies and Marine Engineering qualifications. Its cadets have already been making use of the vessel and will continue to do so when she sets sail again. This has enabled the creation of the TS Queen Mary Skills and Training Academy and the first UK cadet ship.

Iain Sim, Chairman of the Friends of Queen Mary, said the announcement that TS Queen Mary will resume cruising once again after 47 years was a “landmark day” in the proud history of a beloved ship.

He continued: “It is entirely fitting that this announcement should be made by HRH The Princess Royal given the strong family connection TS Queen Mary has – not just to her great grandmother Queen Mary after whom the ship is named – but to the wider Royal Family. While TS Queen Mary’s incredible history can only be understood looking backwards, her legacy must be lived looking forward.”