SS Robin

SS Robin
SS Robin September 2010, ready to leave Lowestoft
History
United Kingdom
NameRobin (1890–1900)
Owner
  • Robert Thomson, London (1890–1890)
  • Arthur Ponsonby, Newport Mon. (1890–1892)[3]
  • Alexander Blackater (The Robin Steamship Co Ltd), Glasgow (1892–1900)[4][5]
BuilderMackenzie, MacAlpine & Co, then Robert Thomson, Orchard House Yard, Blackwall, London[1][2]
Yard number26[1]
Launched16 September 1890[2]
CompletedNovember 1890[1]
IdentificationIMO number: 5222287
FateSold to Spain 1900
Spain
NameMaria (1900–1974)
Owner
  • Blanco Hermanos y Compañia of Ribadesella (1900–1913)
  • Hijos de Angel Perez y Compañia of Santander (1913–1965)
  • Eduardo de la Sota Poveda of Bilbao (1965–1974)
FatePurchased for preservation 1974
United Kingdom
NameRobin (1974–present)[1]
Owner
  • The Maritime Trust Corp Ltd, London (1974–2002)[6]
  • SS Robin Trust (2002–)
StatusMuseum ship
General characteristics
Tonnage366 GRT[3] (later 342 GRT)[6] 550 DWT
Length143 ft (44 m) loa[3]
Beam22.9 ft (7.0 m)[3]
Depth11 ft (3.4 m)[3]
Installed powerTriple expansion steam engine 152 ihp (113 kW)[6]
PropulsionSingle screw[6][2]
Sail planOriginally schooner rigged
Speed9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph)

SS Robin is a 350 gross registered ton (GRT) steam coaster, a class of steamship designed for carrying bulk and general cargoes in coastal waters, and the oldest complete example in the world. One of a pair of coasters built in Bow Creek, London in 1890, the ship was built for British owners, but spent most of her long working life on the Spanish coast as Maria.

In 1974, she was purchased for restoration as Robin and is listed by National Historic Ships as part of the National Historic Fleet (the nautical equivalent of a Grade 1 Listed Building). She is situated at Trinity Buoy Wharf in east London, opening as the SS Robin museum, theatre and educational centre in 2014.

  1. ^ a b c d "Robin (101493)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  2. ^ a b c "SS Robin". National Historic Ships UK. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  3. ^ a b c d e Mercantile Navy List. London: Spottiswoode & Co. 1891. p. 225.
  4. ^ Mercantile Navy List. London: Spottiswoode & Co. 1893. p. 250.
  5. ^ Mercantile Navy List. London: Spottiswoode & Co. 1900. p. 301.
  6. ^ a b c d Register of Ships. London: Lloyd's Register of Shipping. 1990. p. 394.