MV Balmoral (1949) facts for kids
MV Balmoral arriving at Bristol
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Balmoral |
| Owner | MV Balmoral Fund Limited |
| Builder | John I. Thornycroft & Company, Woolston |
| Yard number | 4120 |
| Laid down | 1947 |
| Launched | 27 June 1949 |
| Out of service | September 2017 |
| Identification | IMO number: 5034927 |
| Status | Laid up |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Coastal excursion vessel |
| Tonnage | 688 GRT |
| Length | 203 ft 6 in (62.03 m) |
| Beam | 32 ft 0 in (9.75 m) |
| Depth | 2.71 |
| Decks | 4 |
| Installed power | 1,192 kW |
| Propulsion | Motor |
The MV Balmoral is a special old ship that takes people on fun trips along the coast. It's owned by a charity called MV Balmoral Fund Ltd. This ship mostly sails in the Bristol Channel, but it also visits other parts of the United Kingdom. The Balmoral is so important that it's listed on the National Historic Ships register as part of the National Historic Fleet. This means it's a valuable part of Britain's maritime history.
Contents
The Balmoral's Journey: A Look Back
The Balmoral was built in 1949 by John I. Thornycroft & Company in Woolston, Southampton. It was first made to be a ferry, carrying people and cars. Its first owner was the Red Funnel line.
Early Days as a Ferry
The Balmoral could carry up to 10 cars on its back deck. It usually sailed from Southampton to Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Sometimes, it also took people on short pleasure trips. As newer car ferries were built, the Balmoral started to focus more on these coastal cruises. It sailed around the South Coast.
Changing Owners and Roles
In 1968, Red Funnel stopped offering pleasure trips. The Balmoral was then bought by P & A Campbell. It moved to the Bristol Channel and joined their White Funnel Fleet. By 1980, it was the last ship still working in that fleet. The Balmoral then moved to Dundee to become a floating restaurant. However, this idea did not work out well, and the ship was put up for sale again.
Saving the Balmoral: Preservation Efforts
Around this time, the Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd was looking for another ship. They wanted a partner for their famous PS Waverley, which is the world's last seagoing paddle steamer. They bought the Balmoral and gave it a big makeover.
Major Changes and New Engines
During its refit, the car deck was covered to create a new dining area. The Balmoral returned to the Bristol Channel in 1986. Since then, it has sailed a summer season of trips around the Bristol Channel and other parts of the UK. In 2002, the Balmoral got new engines. Its old engines were replaced with modern Danish-built Grenaa diesel engines.
Onboard Facilities
This important work was partly paid for by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Today, the Balmoral can carry up to 800 passengers. It has a self-service restaurant, two bars, a warm observation lounge, and a souvenir shop for visitors.
Recent Refits and Future Plans
In December 2012, it was announced that the Balmoral would not sail in 2013. The ship's trips had been difficult because of bad weather.
New Ownership and Return to Service
In 2015, the MV Balmoral changed owners again. It was given to a new charity called MV Balmoral Fund Limited. This charity's company, White Funnel Ltd, now operates the ship. After a refit that cost over £300,000, and with help from a Coastal Communities Fund Grant, the Balmoral started sailing again on June 19, 2015.
Future Challenges
However, in December 2017, it was announced that the ship would not sail in 2018. This was because it needed major work on its hull (the main body of the ship).
Gallery
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the car deck in 1974 at Minehead
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at Sharpness, Gloucestershire
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MV Balmoral pulls into Junction Lock, Bristol harbour, Aug 2017
