From Hull, For Hull: Spencer Group delivering key works for Arctic Corsair conservation

Hull-based engineering firm Spencer Group are currently delivering critical marine and civil engineering works as part of a £1.9 million project to preserve one of Hull’s most historically significant fishing vessels, the Arctic Corsair, on behalf of Hull Esteem Consortium LEP.

The project forms a key component of Hull City Council’s £32 million Hull Maritime Programme, which will protect and preserve the city’s rich maritime heritage. This wider programme has already seen the start of the refurbishment of the Maritime Museum and the creation of a permanent home for the iconic Spurn Lightship, another major heritage vessel whose new wet berth was successfully delivered by Spencer Group in 2023.

The work at North End Shipyard will help provide a secure, permanent home for the Arctic Corsair, the UK’s last surviving sidewinder trawler and one of Hull’s most significant fishing vessels known for achieving one of the highest single-day catches recorded in the industry. 

To support this, Spencer Group are designing and installing a new 15-metre by 6-metre, 50-tonne dock gate to replace the deteriorated original structure. Once installed and sealed behind a reinforced concrete block, the new gate will transform the disused dock into a dedicated heritage berth for the vessel.

Since its founding in Hull in 1989 by Executive Chairman Charlie Spencer, Spencer Group has been rooted in the local community, bringing both local knowledge and meaningful connections to a project that will play an important cultural role in the city. 

Spencer Group’s Building & Civils team have been working closely with Hull Esteem Consortium LEP, Hull City Council, and other key stakeholders throughout the design and planning phases to ensure the new dock gate meets strict technical, environmental, and heritage-sensitive standards.

One of the most significant milestones will be the movement of the Arctic Corsair into the shipyard. This highly coordinated operation can only take place during specific spring tide windows, meaning detailed planning and precise execution will be essential. 

Once the vessel is securely in position, Spencer Group will return to complete the final installation of the dock gate and form the reinforced concrete wall that will permanently anchor the structure.

The regeneration of North End Shipyard will see the area transformed into a major visitor attraction, creating a gateway for residents and visitors to engage with Hull’s maritime history. With the successful delivery of the Spurn Lightship berth already completed, Spencer Group continues to play a central role in preserving the vessels and landmarks that shaped Hull’s cultural history. 

As well as delivering projects across the UK and internationally, Spencer Group continues to support the community of its home city. Through its dedicated Ports & Marine work, the company has played a lasting role in preserving Hull’s rich maritime heritage. From landmark projects like the Humber Tidal Barrier to upgrades at New Holland Dock, Spencer Group has helped strengthen the city’s waterfront for decades.

They also delivered the steel terminal at King George Dock and the storage facility at the ABP Finland Terminal, both helping to keep port operations running seamlessly. Their portfolio further includes work on Drypool Bridge and the construction of The Deep Rotating Footbridge, each project reflecting Spencer Group’s strong Hull roots and their continuing contribution to the city’s maritime heritage.