Frazer-Nash has supported the restoration project since 2004, offering engineering advice on the best approach to restoration and supporting the Preservation Society in a down selection process resulting in the recent appointment of Bristol based Abels Shipyard to rebuild the hull ahead of a full refit. 

The PS Medway Queen is the only surviving estuary paddle steamer left in the United Kingdom, originally built in 1924 by the Ailsa Shipyard Company in Troon in 1924 to serve on the River Medway and the Thames Estuary.  In 1940, she was involved in the evacuation of troops from the Normandy beaches in France and was christened the ‘heroine of Dunkirk’ after evacuating a total of 7,000 troops.  In 1984, the Medway Queen Preservation Society was formed, with the aim of returning the ship to full working order. Funding will predominantly be provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund with the remainder by donations and fund raising organised by the Preservation Society.

The Frazer-Nash team face several challenges ahead, including the production of the hull as close to the original design specification as possible. This will require the reintroduction of a hot riveting process to meet modern health and safety requirements.

Andy Gill, Project Manager at Frazer-Nash said: “This is a very exciting project for Frazer-Nash, drawing on our extensive modern naval architecture knowledge, coupled with taking a pragmatic engineering approach to solving unusual and difficult problems.  Crucially, given the unique nature of the ship, it is important that we fully understand its heritage and avoid compromising this.

With proven experience in handling the restoration of historic vessels and having been actively involved in the Medway Queen’s pre-build phase, Frazer-Nash is very well placed to take on this role.  Ultimately we’re looking forward to the day when it can take to the water once more.”

For more information about the Medway Queen visit www.medwayqueen.co.uk