Discover the Noorpower: Ratings & Maritime News

The historic clipper, "City of Adelaide," recently arrived at Chatham, having been delivered by the tug "Dutch Pioneer" on September 26. However, plans to transport the cherished vessel back to South Australia are currently in jeopardy due to ongoing evaluations by the new Coalition government regarding the ship's heritage significance. In 2012, the City of Adelaide Preservation Trust was promised $850,000 by the former Labor government to fund the clipper's return from the UK. Unfortunately, this financial commitment was left unfulfilled as the government entered caretaker mode prior to the September 7 election, leaving the Trust awaiting clarification on whether the Coalition will uphold the funding promise. Environment Minister Greg Hunt is reportedly gathering information about the project's financing and heritage implications before he can relay an update on the Trust's funding request. Peter Christopher, Trust director, expressed optimism that the Coalition would follow through on the previous government’s engagement but is unable to secure a heavy-lift ship for the clipper’s transit to Adelaide until a firm commitment is made. Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Gary Johanson emphasized the urgency of making a prompt decision regarding the City of Adelaide project, noting it would be a significant disservice not only to Port Adelaide but to Australia as a whole if the Federal Government fails to honor its funding promise. Furthermore, the State Government has faced criticism for designating Marina Adelaide at Largs North as the clipper’s intended permanent location upon arrival, rather than a spot in the Port town center. Currently, the "City of Adelaide" is docked at Chatham, where she is being prepared for a formal celebration alongside the famous clipper "Cutty Sark" on October 18.

The iconic "Dutch Pioneer" successfully towed the "City of Adelaide," recognized as the oldest surviving clipper ship globally, to the bustling port of Chatham on September 25. This historic journey was part of a larger mission as the clipper was set to undergo fumigation at Chatham docks ahead of an emotional farewell event scheduled at Greenwich, alongside the famed "Cutty Sark," with the Duke of Edinburgh expected to attend. The "City of Adelaide," fondly remembered in Glasgow as the "Carrick," functioned as an RNVR Messhouse in the heart of the city for over fifty years. The vessel has an intriguing past, having sunk twice while moored, only to be salvaged and relocated down the Firth of Clyde to Irvine, Ayrshire, where it rested ashore for 22 years. The energy surrounding her departure from Irvine Harbour was palpable, drawing thousands of spectators eager to witness this monumental relocation. The clipper is slated to depart for Australia in mid-October, marking a significant chapter in maritime history. For more details, including captivating photos and videos of this historic event, visit http://www.thamespics.co.uk/2013/09/city-adelaide-chatham/

On September 20, the 'Dutch Pioneer' set sail with the iconic 'City of Adelaide', marking the beginning of a significant transit with an expected arrival at Chatham by September 26. This momentous occasion drew a crowd of approximately 1,000 spectators who witnessed the world's oldest clipper ship depart from Scotland for the final time. The beloved vessel, which was being transported on a pontoon barge, was towed from the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine and is now making its way into the Irish Sea. Over the next week to ten days, it will navigate around the southern coast of Cornwall before advancing into the River Thames. Following this historic journey, the 'City of Adelaide' is scheduled to be loaded onto a cargo ship for its ultimate destination: Adelaide.