The Royal Research Ship 'Discovery'. Part 10

1986 - 2000. Arrival Dundee, Restoration and Relocation

How to get the ship from Dundee was the first major obstacle. Could she be towed? The risks involved in such an operation were considered and, while it was possible, the stresses she would endure in the event of bad weather provided food for further thought. The Oil Industry in the North Sea and elsewhere had revolutionised the method of carriage of large structures at sea. Ships had been built to carry ships! Offshore oil rigs were being assembled in giant modules, built onshore and transported to the offshore rig site where they were assembled like a 'Lego' toy. Mammoet Shipping had offices in London and was contacted by those involved in the relocation of the Discovery. Mammoet owned and managed specialised heavy lift ships, ideal for the task of transporting Discovery to Dundee, and from the first contact were keen to be involved. The Happy Mariner, a ship designed to behave like a floating dry-dock, was made available and Discovery, stripped bare for the journey, was floated on board.

Happy Mariner about to pass under Tower Bridge, London en route to Dundee, April 1986.

Arriving in the River Tay, Dundee, to a great welcome.

The delicate task of floating Discovery off the Happy Mariner before moving her to her berth in Victoria Dock, Dundee, took place during the 3rd and 4th of April 1986.

Easy does it! Discovery being floated off the Happy Mariner April 1986

Discovery moored at Victoria Dock, Dundee upon her arrival from London, April 1986.

When the dust had settled and a complete survey of the ship had been completed, only then was the tremendous restoration and conservation liability confirmed to Dundee Heritage Trust. Undaunted, it set about an extensive program of repairs and restoration. Local businesses and individuals, excited by the prospect of having Discovery home, were generous in their contributions both in cash and in kind. Her masts were again raised, her spars and rigging set up, her underwater hull inspected and repaired in dry-dock.

Discovery entering dry-dock (Note: masts and rigging in place).

Discovery in dry-dock awaiting repairs.

This was not all, many of her inner hull spaces had been restored and made 'visitor friendly'. Asbestos was found and systematically removed. Many of her internal features were brought back to life by and one got the feeling that the 'Old Girl' was now enjoying the attention that was being lavished upon her.

While all this was going on her new permanent home was being constructed at Discovery Point. This consisted of a purpose built dock and support facilities, including an Antarctic Museum and Conference Centre. It was completed in 1992 and Discovery was moved and installed there on the 27th of September 1992.

Discovery in her new home at Discovery Point about 1994

Work continues as finances allowed until in 1996 Dundee Heritage Trust finally became the sole owner of the ship when it purchased the Discovery from the Maritime Trust for the princely sum of £1.00 sterling. Do not be misled! Although this must seem like a ridiculous sum of money, it is very likely that the Maritime Trust was happy to be rid of the liability. While work continued, finances became tight and work nearly ground to a halt. That is another story and one that may caution those who might consider historic ship restoration to think carefully before embarking on such a project.

Discovery at Discovery Point, Dundee in the mid 1990s

From the year 2002, although having had a 'hands off' involvement previously, I became active on a voluntary basis in the restoration and conservation of Discovery. Now this story will attempt to tell of the work, background and detail of what took place between 2002 and 2010 and is still on-going. There are still many more parts to write before this series is complete and I do hope that you will tell your friends to visit my site from time to time and learn about the wonderful ship 'Discovery'