The Arctic Corsair – Hull’s last surviving sidewinder trawler – is to reopen to visitors following extensive restoration next year in a new energy efficient visitor centre.

North End Shipyard is part of the city’s £65m Hull Maritime project to refurbish and preserve six historic maritime sites and two historic ships.

The attraction will provide a home for the Arctic Corsair and the Scotch Derrick Crane, as well as displays and a dedicated learning space for schools. The building is carbon neutral and has achieved Passivhaus certification, with highly insulated fabric, doors and windows. It also generates clean power through its installed rooftop solar panels. 

The building also has built-in accessibility features including a lift and Changing Places toilet.

Built in Beverley in 1960, the Arctic Corsair was part of the city’s deep-sea fishing fleet for many years until she was retired in 1987. In 1998, the ship moved to a berth on the River Hull, next to Streetlife Museum, opening to the public the following year.

The Arctic Corsair closed again in 2018 as part of the Hull Maritime project, and is currently undergoing restoration with Dunston Ship Repairs at William Wright Dock.

A large ship is docked in a dry dock surrounded by metal railings, with buildings on both sides and a clear sky overhead. The image has a sepia or grayscale tone, giving it a vintage, architectural-render style.
A projection of the the Arctic Corsair docked in her new home

Once her restoration is complete, the Arctic Corsair will set sail back to the North End Shipyard and be berthed in the dry dock. From next year, visitors will be able to get up close to the historic ship and learn about the life of a trawlerman, with firsthand stories from former crew members.

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“This new visitor centre is not only a place to explore Hull’s maritime past – it’s a vision for the future,” said councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council.

“From the outset, we were committed to delivering the very highest standards in sustainability and energy efficiency. Securing Passivhaus certification and becoming one of the most energy efficient cultural buildings in the UK is a remarkable achievement.

“By combining sustainability with accessibility and once complete it will offer a space where people of all ages can connect with the remarkable history of North End Shipyard and the Arctic Corsair, we are ensuring that Hull's maritime legacy is celebrated for generations to come.”

Later this year, the restored Scotch Derrick Crane will also return to the site, and internal works will begin.