SS Shieldhall

Shieldhall was laid down in October 1954 and entered service in October 1955. Built by Lobnitz & Co of Renfrew, she is of special interest as she was built on older classic lines with a traditional wheelhouse, of riveted and welded construction with a straight stem and a cruiser stern.
Shieldhall was operated by Glasgow Corporation to transport treated sewage sludge down the river Clyde to be dumped at sea. She continued a tradition, dating back to WWI, that Glasgow's sludge vessels carried organised parties of passengers when operating during the summer months. Thus Shieldhall was built with accommodation for 80 passengers.
In 1976, after 21 years of faithful service on the Clyde, Shieldhall was laid up. Shieldhall was purchased by the Southern Water Authority in 1977 and after minor modifications, she carried sludge from Southampton to an area south of the Isle of Wight for 5 years from 1980. It was when she was suddenly withdrawn from service in 1985, due to rising fuel prices, that active preservation began.
As a result of an initiative by the Southampton City's Museum Services, a preservation society was formed and 'Shieldhall' was purchased from Southern Water in 1988, for £20,000. The Society is registered as an Industrial and Provident Society as The Solent Steam Packet Limited and operates as a charity. All work associated with the Society and 'Shieldhall' is carried out by unpaid volunteers. From May to September you can enjoy a trip along the Hampshire/Dorset coast and the Isle of Wight.