Project: SS Robin Trust
Client: SS Robin Trust – 2d/2e Royal Victoria Place, Royal Victoria Place, Newham, E16 1UQ
Project Officer: Matthew Friday
Duration: Approximately 4 months, in different stages
Project Overview
The SS Robin, the world’s oldest complete steam coaster and a Grade I listed vessel, represents a vital part of Britain’s maritime heritage. Moored at the Royal Victoria Docks in East London, the ship has been the focus of essential conservation works, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to ensure its preservation for future generations.
Advanced Eco Blast was selected to undertake conservation works focused on the restoration of the steel upper deck. Over time, the deck had suffered significant corrosion and coating failure, allowing water ingress that threatened the vessel’s structural stability and original historic fabric.
Scope of Works
Superstructure Works Above Deck Level & Hull Maintenance:
- Surface Preparation: The deteriorated top coating on the steel deck was carefully removed, ensuring no damage or compromise to the heritage features.
- Blast Cleaning: All exposed metalwork was blast-cleaned to SA 2.5 standard, achieving a uniform, clean surface profile suitable for coating application.
- Primer Application: Immediately following blasting, a high-performance two-pack primer was applied to all cleaned surfaces to prevent flash rusting.
- Structural Repairs: Following surface preparation, the steelwork team completed all necessary deck and structural steel repairs.
- Flash Blasting: Upon completion of repairs, the affected areas were flash blasted to restore surface cleanliness and profile before primer reapplication on those specific sections.
- Topcoat Application: A final protective topcoat was applied using an airless spray system, ensuring a smooth, even, and durable finish with complete coverage across all treated surfaces.
- Hull Restoration: Cleaning and repainting selected areas of the hull.
