SS. Explorer
The Tenacious Fishery Research Ship.
One of The Last Surviving Sea-Going Stream Trawlers In The World.
Courtesy of National Historic Ships
The SS. Explorer urgently needs our help! We must keep this piece of history alive for the sake of new generations. To preserve such an irreplaceable and integral part of the living history of Scotland’s proud fisheries research, engineering and shipbuilding heritage.
In this article, we will cover; the history and life of the SS. Explorer from its launch through to present day. Our thoughts from our visit to the vessel in March 2023. Also, some great links to find out more information and see a timeline of photographs.
We ask you to please take the time to read about the interesting history of the SS Explorer.
The Life of SS. Explorer
The SS. Explorer was launched on 21 June 1955 by Lady Rachel Stuart, the wife of Scotland’s Secretary of State, Lord James Stuart. Built by Alexander Hall & Sons, Aberdeen, for the Scottish Home Department; this was a vessel built to replace one of the same name, in 1927.
The role of the research ship was to investigate fish breeding and their feeding grounds, thereby establishing the fishing levels and species types of the fish for the British market. Not forgetting the innovative underwater photography and film, as well as, seabed surveys and monitoring of climate changes.
The crucial thought-out details when building the Deep Sea Trawler, prepared her for service in the Arctic waters around Greenland and Iceland, across the Barents Sea and White Sea. The significant amount of aluminum used for the hull also assisted in her sea keeping abilities.
The Explorer started her maiden voyage in 1956, operated by the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen as part of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, until she was unfortunately decommissioned in 1984. This was due to her design limitations and the high running costs. Additionally, the equipment and machinery of the vessel were becoming outdated and uneconomic. She was sold for disposal that same year to JA White Ltd.
Courtesy of National Historic Ships
She has survived another thirty years on top of her already thirty years of active service career. This is thanks to the Maritime Museum Aberdeen initially saving the vessel from the scrap yard. Not forgetting the outstanding work and commitment to restoring such a magnificent vessel by the management, volunteers and members of the SS Explorer Preservation Society, who saved her a second time.
The Explorer was the first of her kind to have a computer fitted, this was installed in 1968, at a time when there were very few other computers in Aberdeen. She was also Scotland’s first purpose-built fisheries research vessel and was the leading research facility in this field between the years 1956 and 1984. She is the last known side trawler, built in Scotland, still afloat and is likely the only known steam powered sidewinder left afloat in Europe, perhaps even in the world.
After the decommission in 1984 she was taken back to Aberdeen, where she was dry docked in 1989. During that time the Aberdeen Maritime Museum intended to purchase the vessel and had the purpose to later exhibit her in their newly opened museum.
She was then taken from Aberdeen to a mooring in the Cromarty Firth, where the vessel was abandoned for an unbelievable 10 years. Meanwhile numerous proposals for her future were incessantly put forward and rejected, countless times. Sadly during this time, she was vandalised. The weather took a significant toll on the vessel, leaving the SS. Explorer looking truly miserable. Many components were stolen by terrible thieves and with the interior spaces of the vessel being exposed to nesting seabirds. This combined added to the extensive damage the vessel endured over the years.
In 1994 the museum exhibition project was no longer a viable option for the future of the ship. The SS. Explorer was subsequently sold for scrap to Isleburn Ltd. in Invergordon. Aberdeen Maritime Museum still has parts of the vessel, such as an intricately detailed model, as well as her bell.
Registered to Leith, Edinburgh shipping port. Where it is currently docked whilst restoration works are underway by the SS Explorer Preservation Society.
The ship has deservedly been placed on the National Historic Ships Register.
Our Thoughts
The SS Explorer Preservation Society’s website is a great way to learn more about so many aspects of the vessel’s past, present and future. All the information you need with great photographs and their great blog for updates about everything SS. Explorer related!
Please read the information below if you are interested in how to get involved in this wonderful preservation journey. The SSE Preservation Society is always looking for volunteers to help out, even if you don’t have any experience with ships. There is always a job to help out in some way towards helping the great vessel. On the other hand if you do have any experience, this can go a long way to help the practical preservation. We learned from our visit to the vessel in March 2023, where James Duff (our tour guide & the Operations Manager for SSEPS) introduced us to some of the engineers who are playing a vital role in restoration works.
We would highly recommend visiting the vessel, it’s a wonderful and immersive experience and you will see all the areas of the ship where most tours of other ships will have limitations. Everything from the deck, to the galley, engine room, labs, accommodation (including the captain’s cabin) and so much more. Your tour guide will also take you through all the history and workings of the ship, with excellent stories of the crew and how daily life would’ve been working and living on the vessel.
We truly hope you have enjoyed reading our article on the SS. Explorer, The Tenacious Fishery Research Ship. We also hope that you consider visiting the vessel and/or donating to the preservation society, even raising some awareness of this great vessel can get more people talking about it!
Important Quotes & Links
Volunteers Wanted
“The SS Explorer is maintained by unpaid volunteers, who give their time and expertise to carry out services to ensure that this unique vessel remains afloat and available for future generations to visit and learn from.” email: mail@ssexplorer.org
Become a Supporter Today
“The Explorer is a registered Scottish Charity SC023518 that rely upon public donations and their volunteers. If you are able to support our work and help us afford the ongoing maintenance costs we would be very grateful. All donations small or large will be most welcome, if you can Gift Aid your donation this will add 25p to every £1 donated.”
Book A Tour
“The Explorer is currently docked at Leith Ports in Edinburgh.
Please contact us to arrange a guided tour” email: mail@theexplorer.scot
Extract from: www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk ;
“The SSEPS was formed in 1995, as a direct result of enthusiasts becoming aware of the SS Explorer being sold for scrap for a second time. Many seafarers and locals from the North East of Scotland in addition to several former crew members joined together and formed the Society which now owns and is currently restoring the SS Explorer to her former glory. The society has a constitution and is a registered Scottish Charity. Within this framework a Company Limited by Guarantee (Registered in Scotland No 156992) was formed responsible for the restoration project and management of the society through a board of approved directors. The society has a Business Development Committee and a Technical Committee.
The primary aim of the SSEPS is to restore Explorer to a condition in which she can fulfill a variety of uses based around her acting as a museum amongst the other Leith and Forth estuary maritime heritage attractions. Once a technical survey of the ship is available, further restoration measures will be considered.
The SSEPS has members with specific ship repair/maintenance skills and some members who actually served on the vessel; these volunteers have worked hard over the years to hold back deterioration. However, the major restoration works will have to be carried out professionally, whilst these members continue to address some of the practical issues on board.”
Extract from: www.wessexarch.co.uk/news/ss-explorer-conservation-management ;
“As a ship entirely dedicated to scientific research, the SS Explorer is the perfect vehicle for engaging the public in the climate crisis, while being a remarkable time-capsule of marine science in the mid-20th century, from the almost intact engine and boiler room through to the scientists’ and officers’ lounge, and the bow cabins of the engine crew – the ‘black hand gang’.”
References; Our own visit in March 2023, James Duff (Operations Manager of SSEPS), Wikipedia, ssexplorer.org, nationalhistoricships.org.uk, wessexarch.co.uk, theexplorer.scot