Steamship Shieldhall

Steamship Shieldhall is the largest working steam ship in Britain. A member of the National Historic Fleet, she serves as a sea going tribute to Britain's maritime heritage. Passengers can experience the golden age of steam by booking on an excursion or visiting her in Southampton. Shieldhall is also available for private charter or for hire as a venue alongside.

Shieldhall was laid down in October 1954, and launched 7th July 1955. Built by Lobnitz & Co. of Renfrew on the River Clyde to a specification determined by the Glasgow Corporation, she was required to carry her cargo as well as passengers (housed in a spacious saloon) in her daily trips doon the watter.

Shieldhall transported treated sewage sludge to be dumped at sea. She continued a tradition, dating back to the First World War, that Glasgow's sludge vessels carried organised parties of passengers when operating during the summer months.

In 1976, after 21 years of faithful service, Shieldhall was laid up. She was purchased by the Southern Water Authority in 1977 and after minor modifications, she carried sludge from Marchwood, Millbrook and Woolston to an area south of the Isle of Wight for five years from 1980. It was when she was suddenly withdrawn from service in July 1985, due to rising fuel prices, that active preservation began.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. Much work has been done on the ship by volunteers in order to keep her in sea-going condition. The saloon has been restored and the galley brought up-to-date. A speaker system introduced as part of the HLF refit allows for a Southampton Green Badge Guide to give a detailed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and The Solent. Shieldhall is a frequent sight around the Solent running summer excursions, and she has represented Southampton for the Dordrecht Steam Festival and International Festivals of the Sea at Bristol and Portsmouth.

During the summer voyages, passengers (up to 200 per sailing) are encouraged to visit the Bridge and machinery spaces. Shieldhalls annual sailing programme is designed to appeal to a number of audiences, with family-friendly 2hr trips of the Docks, 3hr sailings to see cruise ships depart in the Solent, a selection of music cruises and viewing cruises for the Cowes Week, the Round the Island Race and Bournemouth Air Festival. Shieldhall attracts a wide audience from steam lovers to those looking for a day out with a difference, families, groups and coach parties.

In 2025 Shieldhall will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its launch, along with significant events including the 85th anniversary of Dunkirk and the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen.
Back due to popular demand will be return trips to Portsmouth Harbour and The River Medina on the Isle of Wight. In addition to the naval ships, Portsmouth trips give an exciting opportunity to view the dramatic skyline of Portsmouth, including Southsea; Clarence Pier; Spice Island and The Spinnaker Tower from the water.

Shieldhall’s volunteers will welcome The Selsey Shantymen, The Southampton Salty Sea Dogs, Tuto Tribe and Jim Splice and The Main Brace for performances in 2025.

Photo by Will Faulkner

Note: The below sailing programme, issued Monday 2nd December 2024, is subject to approval by the MCA and by Associated British Ports.

To BOOK an excursion please visit www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk/bookings or call 02381 550242. For booking queries please email tickets@ss-shieldhall.co.uk.

For the most up to date information please refer to our website – www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk – where the programme is updated regularly.

The ship may leave from different locations for trips from Southampton due to port operations. For detailed berthing and parking details please refer to www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk/contact-us/find-us where the information will be updated regularly. Location details and driving instructions to each berth can be found on this page. These will also be forwarded to ticket holders via email approx. one week ahead of sailings.

During each voyage hot and cold food, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Shieldhall has a licensed bar. A 10% discount is available to Shieldhall Members and Groups of 10 or more – book online via the website. Children are classed up to the age of 16. Family tickets are made up of 2 Adults & 2 Children. Children under 3 years of age are FREE, however you still need to book a ticket for them on the booking screen. This is for our records and to be included on the passenger manifest.