Iconic UK historic steamship Shieldhall sails into 70th anniversary celebrations

Southampton's historic steamship, SS Shieldhall, will mark its 70th year afloat with a rare joint sailing alongside the paddle steamer Waverley on Saturday 13 September 2025.

The two iconic heritage vessels, both part of the National Historic Fleet, will meet in the Solent for a special commemorative journey.

Shieldhall will depart from Southampton's Western Docks at 13:00, steaming past iconic cruise ships before rendezvousing with Waverley near the Solent Forts. The two vessels will then sail west towards Cowes, offering an hour-long spectacle of synchronized steaming, whistle salutes, and prime photography opportunities.

Shieldhall chair Martin Phipps said: 'It is a fitting way to mark the final steaming weekend of our 70th anniversary year.'

Shieldhall was built and launched on the Clyde in 1955, to a classic pre-WW2 design. It had a long and successful first career with Glasgow Corporation – year-round, carrying treated sludge out to sea and, in the summer, taking passengers on pleasure trips. Bought in 1977 by Southern Water, it was finally withdrawn from commercial service in 1985 – but saved and purchased for £20,000 in 1988 by the charity that still owns it today.

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