Climate change is the ‘greatest current threat’ to historic boats
Climate change is ‘the greatest current threat to the long-term survival of maritime heritage’, according to a new report by National Historic Ships UK (NHS-UK).
The public body has examined the impact of climate change on historic vessels, the infrastructure that supports them, such as harbours and dry docks, and the steps custodians need to take to protect their boats.
It has also identified opportunities in the sector to tackle climate change, such as the use of historic vessels to take part in science, research and sail cargo trade, and the use of sustainable, locally sourced material rather than single-use plastic.
The director of NHS-UK, Hannah Cunliffe said the Climate Change & Maritime Heritage report raised awareness of the risks, encouraged owners to forward plan and sent ‘a clear message about the role our sector can play in meeting the UK’S zero emission targets and adjusting to life in an eco-friendly world.’
‘Climate change is the single biggest threat facing all of us in the years ahead but, for historic vessels, there are some specific challenges for which we need to be prepared. Being made of perishable materials and largely located by the coast or inland waterways, they will be particularly affected by temperature changes and sea level rise,’ she added.
Amongst the threats identified are temperature rises, which could damage boat materials and make it challenging to look after ships which need to be kept in a carefully controlled environment. The threat of fire due to warmer, drier weather is also noted.
Changes in sea temperature are likely to lead to an increase in marine borers, known as shipworms, which are found in warm water and are notorious for boring into, and usually destroying, wood that is immersed in seawater; the acidity of seawater will also increase, affecting materials.
Coastal erosion, flooding and storms are also highlighted; in the most extreme cases, static historic ships could be lost over time as sea levels rise. Some vessels will need to be relocated and docks built inland.
Prolonged immersion in water could also affect boat material, leading to rot and other problems.
Water ingress due to increased rainfall is also identified as having a key impact.
NHS-UK acknowledges that some of the climate change issues require action at a national or international level, and that historic boat owners also face economic challenges.
But, it does highlight how climate change can be mitigated by vessel owners including sustainable approaches to building material procurement, re-using materials and keeping traditional skills alive, making climate change part of the vessel’s conservation management plans and the use of electric engines.
Read the report at www. yachtingmonthly.com/historicships
Tracy Edwards’ Bruce Farr maxi, Maiden, is to start a new three-year world tour, beginning from Dubai in January, writes Sophie Dingwall.
Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the 58ft yacht and her crew had visited more than 12 countries as an ambassador for the not-for-profit organisation, The Maiden Factor, raising awareness and funds for charities, outreach programmes and organisations committed to the education of girls
Although there was disappointment that the tour was suspended, this necessary time and reflection has led to the support of their new lead sponsor DP World.
The Emirati multinational logistics company is based in Dubai, and already runs several programmes to support women’s access to education, employment and health care.
Edwards said she was looking forward to building on the success of Maiden’s first world tour.
‘Now, with our new title sponsor, DP World, we will also focus on encouraging girls into STEM, increasing their life and career choices. Many industries such as Maritime are facing a serious skills shortage and like DP World are committed to increasing female representation to bring much-needed skills and talent into the workforce, and we know Maiden will be part of that process,’ she said.
‘If I die without putting every ounce of effort into getting girls into education and empowering women, then I haven’t done what I set out to do,’ added Edwards.
Maiden, which recently appeared at September’s Southampton Boat Show, will also have a new skipper for the tour. Annie O’sullivan will lead the crew which will include Alesea Charles, Ami Hopkins, Amalia Infante, Erica Lush, Junella King and Heather Thomas.
O’sullivan said she was extremely proud to be a part of The Maiden Factor and its mission.
‘I didn’t quite appreciate how many people have already been impacted in a positive way by Tracy and Maiden,’ she said. For further details about The Maiden Factor, visit www.themaidenfactor.org/