Steam Tug Portwey Canary Wharf to Ramsgate

Built in 1927 steam tug Portwey steams her way to Ramsgate in Kent from Canary Wharf in London. We pass some famous landmarks on the way, including the millennium dome, the Thames flood barrier and Woolwich ferry. With her voluntary crew of 18 the Portwey covered the 70 mile journey in little over 9.5 hours. She will be on the slipway in Ramsgate for a couple of weeks, having her bottom cleaned, checked and repainted, before steaming back to London.Visit www.stportwey.co.uk for more info

Filmed using a Canon S3 IS edited using Ulead Videostudio 10. Compressed to medium quality wmv file

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• steam
• tug
• ramsgate
• millennium
• dome
• woolwich
• ferry
• thames
• barrier
• qe2
• bridge

[eastcliffrichard]

It's a shame that the Cervia, a similar steam tug, is rotting away in Ramsgate Harbour when, as your splendid video shows, they are such amazing things!

[Madblokey]

I quite agree, unfortunately many people don't appreciate the importance of our industrial past. So many tugs have been scrapped, Portwey was saved from the scrap man in the 60's. In the next few years, she will need a cash injection of around a million pounds to keep her from the scrap man again. Thanks for your interest

[goldie103103]

@eastcliffrichard she been repainted now though.

[richardkelltoolmaker]

Model engineer magazine of the late 50's and early 60's carried a lot of London and Thames ships and this so beautiful. many thanks.

[jez952]

Wonderful Video if I had enought money I would donate 1 million now to make sure she is still sailing in 2109 ......love to join you one day for similar journey

Jez :o)

[raymondleeleggs]

I agree it is sad I hope when the SS. Nomadic is restored it will be operating.

[eastcliffrichard]

The Cervia has weeds growing out of her deck, smashed portholes, and rust all over. It's extremely sad. I read somewhere that she was an important example of this type of vessel. Is there a trust or charity that helps or advises with the preservation or restoration of these magnificent beasts?