UK’s Govan drydocks reopens for business
Glasgow’s famous Govan drydocks are on their way back into service (Source: Govan Drydock Ltd)
A famous British ship repair yard name has been revived after 36 years of inactivity. Scotland’s Govan drydocks has been given the green light to resume ship repair operations by Glasgow City Council, which has granted a change of use planning consent. The recently established Govan Drydock Ltd will now operate the facility.
This now allows the yard’s 168m long No.1 graving dock to be used for ship repair and maintenance once again after it had been previously designated derelict. At the beginning of 2024 Govan Drydock Ltd was awarded the contract to project, manage and undertake the first phase of the major restoration of the historic, 1933-built passenger vessel T.S. Queen Mary.
Govan Drydocks is located approximately 4km west of Glasgow city centre, on the south bank of the River Clyde. The drydocks were built in the late 18th century by the Clyde Navigation Trust and, at that time, could accommodate some of the largest ships in the world. The drydocks were extensively used for winter overhauls, repairs and refits of Clyde steamers up until their closure in 1987 and since then they have remained derelict.
No.1 graving dock’s steel caisson gate is currently being restored to working order, as is the drydock’s pumps and pump house.
