ST Cervia

Step aboard the ST Cervia, a remarkable piece of maritime history moored in the picturesque Ramsgate Harbour in Kent, Great Britain. This historic steam tug, built in 1946, offers a fascinating glimpse into the bygone era of steam-powered maritime vessels. As you explore this floating museum, you'll be transported back in time to an age when steam tugs like the Cervia played a vital role in the maritime industry.

The Design and Construction of ST Cervia

The story of the ST Cervia begins in the aftermath of World War II. Built by Alexandra Hall & Company Ltd in Aberdeen, Scotland, the Cervia was originally named Empire Raymond. Her design closely followed an earlier steam tug class called Foremost, conceived in 1923. This choice of design was driven by Britain's urgent need to replace wartime losses quickly, utilizing tried and tested pre-war designs to avoid delays in the Admiralty's rebuilding plans.

Weighing over 350 tons and powered by a 1,000 horsepower (750 kW) triple-expansion steam engine, the Cervia was a formidable vessel. Her boiler was equipped with oil burners but could be quickly converted to coal firing if needed. Notably, the Cervia was one of the last Empire Ships, a series of vessels built during the war, surviving in the United Kingdom.

A Storied History

Launched on January 21, 1946, the Cervia was handed over to the Ministry of War Transport. In December of the same year, she was sold to William Watkins Ltd for £36,000, a sum derived from compensation for wartime losses. In 1947, she was renamed Cervia, after an Italian Adriatic resort where the Watkins family owned a holiday villa. The name had previously been used for another tug involved in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.

During her working life, the Cervia was primarily employed as a towing and salvage tug, operating between ports in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. She played a crucial role in freeing vessels that had run aground on the Goodwin Sand Banks off the East-Kent coast. Her association with Ramsgate spans over 60 years, a testament to her enduring presence in the area.

Ramsgate and the Cervia

The Cervia was regularly maintained and repaired at Claxton’s Ltd in Ramsgate, a subsidiary of William Watkins. In 1950, William Watkins Ltd merged with other companies to form Ship Towage Ltd of London. It was during this time that the Cervia was involved in a serious incident at Tilbury docks in London on October 25, 1954. While undocking the P&O liner Arcadia, the resulting wash caused the Cervia to capsize and sink, tragically claiming the lives of Captain Russell, MBE, and five crew members. The tug was later salvaged, refitted, and returned to service.

From Workhorse to Museum Piece

In 1969, Cervia's owners merged with W.H.J. Alexander & Company Ltd to form the London Tug Company, which aimed to modernize its fleet with diesel-powered vessels. By 1971, the Cervia was laid up at Sheerness, awaiting a buyer. In 1973, Michael List-Brain purchased the Cervia for £3,500, and she was back in steam by the summer.

The Cervia was initially intended to be part of the Medway Maritime Museum, but funding issues led to her being put back to work in the towing business. She was contracted for various projects, including assisting with oil rig construction in the North Sea. Despite a modest profit from her first towing contract, the business grew, leading to the formation of International Towing Ltd (ITL) in 1975. The Cervia and her sister tugs played a vital role in the success of ITL, which expanded to become an international operation.

Ramsgate Maritime Museum

In 1985, the Cervia was loaned to the Ramsgate Maritime Museum, run by the East Kent Maritime Trust. She was moored in John Smeaton's Historic Dry Dock, where she underwent restoration work, including being repainted in her original William Watkins livery. Her crew accommodation was refurbished to house museum displays, and she became a popular attraction for visitors.

The Cervia's significance was further highlighted when she was visited by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1986. Over the years, she has also appeared in film and television, including an episode of the BBC comedy series Ripping Yarns and the BBC production Rogue Male.

Visiting the ST Cervia

Today, the ST Cervia stands as a proud symbol of maritime heritage in Ramsgate. Visitors can explore the tug's decks, engine room, and crew quarters, gaining insight into the life and work of those who operated these powerful vessels. The museum displays offer a wealth of information about the Cervia's history, her role in maritime operations, and the broader context of steam tugs in the 20th century.

A visit to the ST Cervia is not just a journey through the history of a single vessel, but a window into the broader story of maritime innovation and the resilience of those who worked at sea. Whether you're a maritime enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique and educational experience, the ST Cervia in Ramsgate is a must-see attraction that promises to leave a lasting impression.