Edwin Fox Maritime Museum races to save historic ship from collapse

The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, home to the historic ship, is facing urgent challenges in preserving its 172-year-old vessel. A recent inspection revealed severe deterioration in the ship and its dry dock. Despite these issues, the museum has reported a significant rise in revenue and visitor numbers after a rebrand and upgrades.

The Edwin Fox, the last convict ship to transport prisoners from England to Australia and the final wooden vessel to carry immigrants to New Zealand, now sits in a protective hall. However, an inspection found the dry dock walls unfit for purpose, with active corrosion, cracked beams, and failing concrete keel blocks. The wood supporting the ship also showed signs of stress, while sheet metal piling was rusting away. Without major repairs, the dock could collapse within five to ten years.

Work to stabilise the dry dock is already under way, led by Abel Ships, and is expected to finish by autumn. This will allow public tours to restart safely. Meanwhile, the museum has made progress on other fronts, completing 80% of its first-year goals. These include washing and repainting the building's exterior, installing heat pumps, and upgrading IT systems.

A report outlined three long-term preservation options, each requiring between $20 million and $35 million. Despite the structural concerns, the museum's revenue has surged—up 66% in December and 112% in November compared to the previous year. The launch of a new website as part of a rebrand has also boosted visitor traffic.

The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum now faces a critical decision on funding to secure the ship's future. While short-term repairs are progressing, long-term solutions will demand substantial investment. The vessel's historical significance and recent revenue growth add urgency to the preservation efforts.