FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

Published: 1st May

HISTORIC STEAMSHIP "THE DANNY" LAUNCHES URGENT £150,000 APPEAL

Last surviving steam tug tender of her kind faces critical maintenance challenges to meet new safety regulations

After surviving two world wars and 122 years of maritime history, the SS Daniel Adamson – the last steam tug of her kind – now faces one of her greatest challenges.

The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society, the charity which rescued the vessel from being scrapped 22 years ago, today announced an urgent fundraising campaign to raise £150,000 for essential upgrades to meet new statutory maritime regulations.

Built in 1903, "The Danny" is the UK's last surviving steam-powered tug tender with original steam machinery intact. An irreplaceable part of the nation’s maritime heritage, she requires costly annual inspections and maintenance work to remain operationally compliant.

Andrea Ward, director of the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society, said: “We’re at a critical moment in The Danny's preservation journey.

“Recent changes to Maritime and Coastguard Agency regulations have necessitated the expensive installation of a new fixed fire-fighting system in the engine and boiler room. There are a number of other significant investments we need to make this year in order to stay compliant with UK maritime regulations.

The Danny has become a much-loved ‘living museum’, but operating an historic steam vessel to modern passenger-carrying standards is extraordinarily expensive. Without significant and sustainable funding, we could face the very real risk of losing an irreplaceable vessel that represents so much of our region’s maritime and engineering excellence.”

Impact On The Community

The Danny's "Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures" educational initiative connects students from across the Liverpool City Region with the region's rich maritime heritage and industry. Delivered over the course of an academic year, the programme includes shipyard and port visits, lectures, masterclasses, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, offering students a unique window into the diverse career paths available in the maritime sector.

Dr. Charuni Dissanayake from Hugh Baird College says the course, which is now in its third year, has significantly enriched her students' studies. She said: "The Danny’s learning and participation team has provided Hugh Baird College students with an exceptional learning journey. Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures is an incredibly powerful project."

To date, 276 students have completed the Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures programme, with many going on to further related study.

Funding Critical Needs

The charity’s £150,000 fundraising target will fund:

Mandatory dry docking and rolling-maintenance to ensure continued seaworthiness
Critical engineering work on the steam boiler ahead of the mandatory ten-year inspection
Two new 65-person life rafts with release systems to meet safety regulations
Repairs and replacement of canvas covers
A new fixed fire-fighting system for engine and boiler rooms
Staff and volunteer training
Educational programs for future engineers of all ages and backgrounds

Built in Birkenhead in 1903 at what is now the Cammell Laird Shipyard, The Danny started her working life alongside the great ocean liners of the Edwardian era. Towing barges laden with goods from Cheshire and the Potteries, she connected the inland towns of Cheshire with the great seaport of Liverpool.

Now, thanks to a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, the Danny operates regular steam-powered cruises along the picturesque River Weaver, Manchester Ship Canal, and River Mersey. A dynamic community outreach programme offers a busy calendar of workshops, activities and events, as well as being a unique and memorable venue for corporate and private events. The Danny has become a beloved cultural icon and invaluable resource for families and visitors from across the Liverpool City Region, Cheshire and beyond.

How You Can Help

The charity’s Just Giving campaign launches today, with the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society strongly encouraging businesses, heritage enthusiasts, and the public to contribute as generously as possible so that the urgent needs can be met.

Andrea hopes that people will step forward to help. She added: “Every donation counts toward securing The Danny’s future. This isn't just about preserving a boat, it's about keeping a vital piece of our industrial past alive and meaningful for generations to come. Whether you can give £5 or £5,000, your support will help to ensure this unique piece of maritime history continues to inspire and educate."

To support the campaign, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/thedanny or contact the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society directly at [email protected]

About The SS Daniel Adamson

The SS Daniel Adamson is a historically significant steam vessel built in 1903 and is listed No15 on the National Historic Ships Register along with the likes of the Mary Rose and HMS Victory. Following decades of service connecting the ports of Liverpool and Manchester, she was saved from being scrapped in 2004 and meticulously restored. Today, she serves as a living museum showcasing Art Deco design and early 20th century engineering, offering educational experiences and heritage cruises on the waterways she once served. A gracious link to the past that we will preserve for the future.

Media Contact:

Louise McWatt [email protected] | 0753 204 3072