The SS Freshspring is the only surviving example of the 14 Fresh class water carriers!
She was built in 1946 by the Lytham Shipbuilding and Engineering Co for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
The Steam Ship Freshspring is recognised as being of national historical significance and is on the National Register of Historic vessels!
SS Freshspring was the last of 14 Fresh Class water carriers, all of which were 121 feet in length and were powered by a triple-expansion steam engine. Her duty was to replenish Naval ships with fresh water for use in their boilers. She also acted as a fire ship when required!
In February 1947 after trials, she sailed to her long term base in Malta.
Initially coal-fired she was converted to run on heavy fuel oil in 1956, with three burners – one in each of the coal furnaces.
She returned to the UK in 1967 to replace a sister ship, Freshpond, at Devonport. Prior to being put into reserve in 1976 at Gareloch, she also worked in and around the Clyde and Pembroke docks.
She was offered for sale in 1977 and sold two years later to a private owner who towed her to Bristol, which is where she was last steamed. After problems in Bristol with thefts including much of the wheelhouse equipment, she was then moved to Newnham on Severn.
Now she is living down on Bideford Quay in North Devon. It’s not a cheap operation though and there is a campaign happening right now to raise the funds to make it so – see the campaign – HERE!
You can only visit by appointment, however, the SS Freshspring Society are very pleased to offer guided tours by arrangement. Check out their website for more details – HERE!
Llandivisiau Walk, Bideford Quay, North Devon
The SS Freshspring is the only surviving example of the 14 Fresh class water carriers!
She was built in 1946 by the Lytham Shipbuilding and Engineering Co for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
The Steam Ship Freshspring is recognised as being of national historical significance and is on the National Register of Historic vessels!
SS Freshspring was the last of 14 Fresh Class water carriers, all of which were 121 feet in length and were powered by a triple-expansion steam engine. Her duty was to replenish Naval ships with fresh water for use in their boilers. She also acted as a fire ship when required!
In February 1947 after trials, she sailed to her long term base in Malta.
Initially coal-fired she was converted to run on heavy fuel oil in 1956, with three burners – one in each of the coal furnaces.
She returned to the UK in 1967 to replace a sister ship, Freshpond, at Devonport. Prior to being put into reserve in 1976 at Gareloch, she also worked in and around the Clyde and Pembroke docks.
She was offered for sale in 1977 and sold two years later to a private owner who towed her to Bristol, which is where she was last steamed. After problems in Bristol with thefts including much of the wheelhouse equipment, she was then moved to Newnham on Severn.
Now she is living down on Bideford Quay in North Devon. It’s not a cheap operation though and there is a campaign happening right now to raise the funds to make it so – see the campaign – HERE!
You can only visit by appointment, however, the SS Freshspring Society are very pleased to offer guided tours by arrangement. Check out their website for more details – HERE!
Llandivisiau Walk, Bideford Quay, North Devon
