A near-century-old maritime landmark is back on the water and open to the public, following a significant multi-partner restoration that called on specialist marine and civil engineering expertise from Hull-based Spencer Group.

The Spurn Lightship, built in 1927, spent almost five decades guiding ships safely through the Humber Estuary before being retired and moored on Hull Marina as a floating museum in 1987. After closing to the public in 2018, the vessel was officially reopened on 7th March following major restoration works delivered as part of the Hull Maritime Project.

Spencer Group was appointed by Hull City Council to design and deliver a purpose-built wet dock facility, providing the lightship with a permanent, accessible home in the north-west corner of Hull Marina, close to the Murdoch Connection footbridge and just a few hundred yards from Spencer Group's own headquarters.

The engineering scope was detailed and technically demanding. The team carried out dredging of the berthing area before designing, supplying and installing five berthing piles fitted with fenders and mooring points. A steel access walkway, supported by land-based concrete foundations, was also designed and installed to provide safe, step-free public access to the vessel.

Spencer Group worked alongside delivery partners Humber Workboats Ltd, B&A Scaffolding, Riley Engineering and A.J. Engineering. Despite the constraints of a tight marina environment, the wet dock facility was completed within seven months, with close collaboration with Hull City Council ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing marina operations.

The fully restored museum now features new projections, film, immersive sound and interactive graphics, offering visitors a richer, more immersive experience of the lightship's story and Hull's wider maritime heritage.

Preserving the Arctic Corsair

Spencer Group's contribution to Hull's maritime legacy does not end at the lightship. The company is currently delivering a £1.9 million programme of marine and civil engineering works at the North End Shipyard to preserve one of the city's most historically significant fishing vessels, the Arctic Corsair, on behalf of Hull Esteem Consortium LEP.

The centrepiece of this project is the design and installation of a new 15-metre wide, 50-tonne dock gate to replace the deteriorated original structure. Once installed and sealed behind a reinforced concrete block, the new gate will convert the disused dock into a dedicated heritage berth - securing the vessel's long-term future as a visitor attraction.

Founded in Hull in 1989 by Executive Chairman Charlie Spencer OBE, Spencer Group specialises in the design and build of multi-disciplinary engineering projects across the rail, bridges, civil and building sectors. Both projects underline the company's deep roots in the city and its commitment to preserving the infrastructure and heritage of the communities in which it operates.

Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: "The opening of the Spurn Lightship is an exciting new chapter for the vessel and marks the start of an incredible year for Hull, celebrating the city's rich maritime heritage.

"The Spurn Lightship will once again offer residents and visitors the chance to experience a vital piece of Hull's maritime story, preserved with care and authenticity so that stepping aboard feels like visiting a working lightship.

"Visitors will be able to explore and experience its unique character and celebrate the vital role it has played in keeping our coastline safe."