SS Nomadic returns to birthplace - 16 May 2006
The SS Nomadic, now owned by the Department for Social Development, will return to Belfast, the port of her birth, in July 2006.
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP said: “It is my great pleasure to confirm that the Nomadic will be back in Belfast in July. Following competitive tender my Department has contracted Anchor Marine and Hammer Marine Services to bring the Nomadic home to Belfast. To ensure the safe return of the vessel, a submersible barge will be used which presents the least risk to successfully transporting the 95-year old vessel”.
The Minister said that he would be announcing a final arrival date shortly. He also announced that DSD has been taking forward the setting up of a charitable trust to coordinate the fundraising and oversee the restoration of the Nomadic.
“We have been in contact with a range of interested parties concerning the membership of the Trust. Following these discussions, I have decided that the Board of Trustees should be composed as follows:
- up to six persons, including the chair, nominated by the Department for Social Development;
- two persons nominated by Belfast City Council;
- one person nominated by Belfast Harbour Commissioners;
- two persons nominated by Belfast Industrial Heritage Society;
- one person nominated by the Titanic Society;
- up to two persons from the business community to be co-opted by the Trustees;
- one person with experience of restoration of historic vessels to be co-opted by the Trustees.
“DSD will formally invite Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour Commissioners, Belfast Industrial Heritage Society and the Titanic Society to nominate their trustees. These groups have expressed keen interest in the Nomadic and played a leading role in the campaign for the vessel to be purchased by Government and restored as a symbol of Northern Ireland’s maritime heritage and association with the Titanic story.
“Belfast City Council has pledged £100,000 for the restoration fund, Belfast Harbour Commissioners have agreed to provide a free berth for the vessel and Belfast Industrial Heritage Society has been active in fundraising. I am grateful to them for their assistance and co-operation.
“The Department’s nominated trustees, including the chair, will be announced as soon as possible.”
Notes to Editors:
- Six companies tendered for the contract. Following consideration of the tenders the Department has selected Anchor Marine, a UK based barge and tug owner, to carry out the work.
- For media enquiries, please contact DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078.
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