Steam Tug Brent

A first time visitor to Maldon's Hythe Quay or Promenade Park might wonder what an old Port of London Authority tug is doing moored up nearby the historic Thames barges on the river Blackwater.

TID159, as Brent was originally named, was built in Sunderland in 1945 and spent much of it's working life being used by the Port of London Authority in the busy London docks towing lighters and barges full of cargo.

She was laid up in 1969 and sold to a shipbreaker for dismantling, however, was spotted by Ron and Janet Hall and purchased in 1977. This rescued vessel became their floating home for many years before being laid up again pending restoration.

This vessel is now 80 years old and owned by the Steam Tug Brent Trust, a group of dedicated volunteers who are working towards her full restoration, back to seagoing condition.

Made from welded, prefabricated steel with a flat bottomed hull and still containing the original oil fired boiler, Brent is listed on the National Historic Ships UK register.

The trust hold regular open days and fund raising events so check out their website steamtugbrent.org for full details.

Email: info@steamtugbrent.org