£450k plan to restore Swansea Marina’s Helwick lightship
Swansea Council will ask Cabinet next week to approve funding to repair and restore the Helwick lightship, the red‑and‑white vessel moored in Swansea Marina since the late 1970s. The work would take place at a local dry dock before the ship returns to its berth as part of the city’s maritime heritage.
Historic vessels to be preserved
The Helwick is one of three council‑owned vessels earmarked for protection. The others are the steam tug Canning, built in 1954, and the pilot cutter Olga, dating from 1909.
The council also plans to remove the Seamark, an abandoned vessel left in the marina for more than a decade, which is now considered a pollution risk.
Council says Helwick is “iconic”
Cllr Elliot King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equality, said:
“The Helwick is such an iconic feature of the marina and has been with us for a long time. We’re really pleased to have come up with a viable proposal that will see the vessel repaired for future generations to enjoy.”
He added that the council had drawn on expertise from historic ship specialists across the UK to shape the plan.
Steam Boat Trust to take on Canning
The historic steam tug Canning berthed in Swansea Marina. Built in 1954, the vessel is now earmarked for restoration under plans involving the Steam Boat Trust.(Image: National Historic Ships)
Talks are under way with the Steam Boat Trust to take on the Canning. The Trust has announced plans to restore the vessel over the next 18 months before potentially moving it to join its preserved fleet in Rochester.
Chris Bannister, Steam Boat Trust, said:
“Our plans involve restoring and revitalising her over the next 18 months at her current location, bringing systems and machinery back to working order.”
National recognition for Helwick and Olga
Both the Helwick and Olga are listed in the National Historic Fleet, which recognises around 200 vessels of pre‑eminent significance.
Hannah Cunliffe, Director of National Historic Ships UK, welcomed the council’s decision:
“We are delighted that Swansea Council has decided to invest in the future of Helwick and that Canning is being considered for acquisition by the Steam Boat Trust.”
What happens next
Cabinet will discuss the proposals next week. If approved, the Helwick will undergo a full condition survey before being restored and returned to the marina. It will remain a static exhibit, not open to the public to board.
The removal of the Seamark is expected to improve the look of the marina and free up berths for other vessels.
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