Overview

SS Robin is internationally recognized as being the only complete Victorian steam ship in existence and the only one left fitted with original steam engine and boiler, she is also the last large coastal cargo steam ship surviving of several thousand built around the world between 1850 and 1950.

A unique survivor from when Britain’s Empire was at its height and London was the world centre for maritime trade and shipbuilding, she was launched in London in 1890 and sailed UK and continental waters, carrying a variety of cargo under several owners before ending her career in Spain in 1974, by then the last of her kind still sailing.

Saved from scrap by the Maritime Trust she steamed back to the UK to be restored, preserved and opened as a museum ship at a range of London locations, with thousands of visitors onboard over a forty year period. Run by dedicated volunteers she has been supported by grant making trusts and through donations from public and private benefactors ever since.

She is cared for by us the SS Robin Trust a registered charity in partnership with Trinity Buoy Wharf (Urban Space Management) and others.

Vision

London was founded on the mighty tidal river Thames and for a time was the world’s busiest port. Our vision is to celebrate, explain and show in the metal some of the historic vessels that helped to serve London’s maritime activity.

We will do this by creating a free to view open air museum afloat at TBW. Over time the SS Robin and its pontoon will be fitted out as a gallery and exhibition space.

Alongside this an educational and training space will engage young and the not so young in the understanding and preservation of heritage vessels.

Ship & Pontoon

SS Robin due to her age, condition and historical rarity no longer floats, but instead sits on a specially constructed display platform or Pontoon, currently moored beside at Trinity Buoy Wharf.

Restoration works

SS Robin is in good condition having been restored and painted externally in 2010-11. Interior spaces of the ship require some restoration works to allow full public access onboard. The Victorian steam engine requires refurbishment so that it can be turned for display, some cabins need to be reinstated to represent the era when the ship was launched and a few missing parts need to be faithfully replicated. Sound, light, interpretation and artefacts are needed to bring the ship back to life to give visitors a taste of life at sea.