SS Great Britain

The SS Great Britain was returned as a hulk to Bristol in 1970 and over the next 30 years a massive renovation process took place that restored her to her original condition.

Following a life time at sea the iron hull had absorbed salt and even in her dry dock her hull continued to deteriorate, the challenge was to find a way to halt this deterioration.

Research was carried out by Cardiff University and a solution was proposed. The hull below the ships water line had to be encased in a low humidity atmosphere this required installation of a glass plate from the dry dock wall to the hull. The glass plate is covered by water that is extracted from the dock. This is pumped over the plate and then returned back into the dock. The ship now appears to be back where she belongs in the water.

Working as part of a project team, MJN Colston carried out the supply and installation of a complex network of dehumidification plant and ductwork. This is installed both within and around the hull. No additional holes were to be created in the hull so the installation had to be designed around the existing structure and by utilising holes created by corrosion. Close control of the humidity in and around the hull below the glass plate is key to the prevention of further corrosion. A relative humidity of 15% is maintained by the air handling plant which has a silicon wheel absorbs moisture from the supply air. The water passing over the top of the glass plate helps maintain stable temperature control below.

The project was both challenging and rewarding providing a must see attraction in the centre of Bristol.

Project Team

  • Client - The SS Great Britain Trust
  • Project Managers - Capita Symonds
  • Main Contractor - Bluestone
  • Architect - Alec French Partnership
  • Engineering - IKB
  • Services Engineers - WSP
  • Quantity Surveyors - Capita Symonds
  • Services value - £1.25 million