Historic steam tug 'The Danny' launches urgent £150,000 appeal to stay afloat

After surviving two world wars and 122 years of maritime history, the SS Daniel Adamson – the last steam tug of her kind – now faces one of her greatest challenges.

The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society, the charity which rescued the vessel from being scrapped 21 years ago, has announced an urgent fundraising campaign to raise £150,000 for essential upgrades to meet new statutory regulations. The announcement comes nine years to the day since the vessel was relaunched following extensive restoration, on 6 May 2016.

Built in Birkenhead in 1903 at what is now the Cammell Laird Shipyard, "The Danny" is the UK's last surviving steam-powered tug tender with original steam machinery intact. She operates between berths on the Sutton Weaver near Frodsham in Cheshire, and the Mersey Waterfront in Liverpool.

The national treasure narrowly escaped the scrapyard in 2004 before being rescued and restored to her Art Deco glory by a team of skilled volunteers.

An irreplaceable part of the nation’s maritime heritage, The Danny now requires costly critical inspections and maintenance work to remain operationally compliant with new Maritime and Coastguard Agency regulations, including new life rafts and a new fixed firefighting system.

Andrea Ward, director of the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society, said: “We’re at another critical moment in The Danny's preservation journey.

“Recent changes to Maritime and Coastguard Agency regulations have necessitated an expensive fit out to the engine and boiler room, as well as a new fixed firefighting system. There are a number of significant investments we need to make this year in order to stay compliant with UK and international law.

“Operating a historic steam vessel to modern passenger-carrying standards is extraordinarily expensive. Without significant and sustainable funding, we could face the very real risk of losing an irreplaceable vessel that represents so much of our region’s maritime and engineering excellence.”

Impact On The Community

The Danny started her working life alongside the great ocean liners of the Edwardian era. Towing barges laden with goods from Cheshire and the Potteries, she connected the inland towns of Cheshire with the great seaport of Liverpool.

Since her relaunch in 2016, she has become a much-loved ‘living museum’ and a powerful catalyst for community cohesion, offering regular steam-powered cruises along the picturesque River Weaver, Manchester Ship Canal, and River Mersey. A dynamic community outreach programme offers a busy calendar of workshops, activities, and events. The vessel has become a beloved cultural icon and invaluable resource for families and visitors, and a powerful educational resource.

The vessel’s ‘Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures’ educational initiative connects students from across the Liverpool City Region with the region's rich maritime heritage and industry. Delivered over the course of an academic year, the programme includes shipyard and port visits, lectures, masterclasses, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, offering students a unique window into the diverse career paths available in the maritime sector.

Dr. Charuni Dissanayake from Hugh Baird College says the Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures course, which is now in its third year, has significantly enriched her students' studies. She said: "The Danny’s learning and participation team has provided Hugh Baird College students with an exceptional learning journey. Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures is an incredibly powerful project."

Since she was restored, The Danny has welcomed over 39,000 visitors, hosted 840 educational workshops, and provided volunteer opportunities for more than 350 local residents of all ages. Over 270 Merseyside and Cheshire students have completed the Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures programme, with many going on to further related study.

Funding Critical Needs

The charity’s £150,000 fundraising target will fund:

Mandatory dry docking and rolling-maintenance to ensure continued seaworthiness

Critical work on steam boiler ahead of a mandatory ten-year inspection

Two new 65-person life rafts with release systems to meet safety regulations

Repairs and replacement of canvas covers

A new fixed fire-fighting system for engine and boiler rooms

Staff and volunteer training

Educational programs for future engineers of all ages and backgrounds

How You Can Help

The charity’s Just Giving campaign launches today, 06 May 2025, with the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society strongly encouraging businesses, heritage enthusiasts, and the public to contribute as generously as possible so that the urgent needs can be met.

Andrea hopes that people will step forward to help. She added: “Every donation counts toward securing The Danny’s future. This isn't just about preserving a boat, it's about keeping a vital piece of our industrial past alive and meaningful for generations to come. Whether you can give £5 or £5,000, your support will help to ensure this unique piece of maritime history continues to inspire and educate."

To support the campaign, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/thedanny or contact the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society directly at andrea.ward@danieladamson.co.uk