SS Nomadic Opens In Belfast

The SS Nomadic has been opened in Belfast's Hamilton Dock, making it Northern Ireland's newest maritime visitor attraction.

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland and Environment Minister Arlene Foster, alongside Denis Rooney of the SS Nomadic Charitable Trust, performed the official duties at at the opening ceremony on Friday.

The opening marked the completion of a £9m restoration programme.

Minister McCausland, commenting at the launch, said: "Northern Ireland's contribution to world maritime history has long been known and now we can lay claim to safeguarding the world's one and only surviving White Star Line ship, built and restored to glory in Belfast.

"It is wonderful to be able to admire what was admired by those passengers just over 100 years ago and I'm delighted that the Northern Ireland Executive has played its part in bringing this fabulous vessel to a new generation. Now, Nomadic will play its part in revitalising and regenerating the local community living in proximity to Belfast Docklands."

SS Nomadic was purchased by the Department for Social Development at auction on 26 January, 2006 for 250,001 euros (£171,320).

Known as Titanic’s little sister, SS Nomadic was built by Harland and Wolff and was launched on 25 April 1911, before being delivered to White Star Line on 27 May.

On 10 April 1912 Nomadic sailed out from port with 142 first class and 30 second class passengers to meet Titanic on her maiden voyage.

Nomadic has a gross tonnage of 1,273, and is 233 feet long.

The Nomadic is now included in the National Register of Historic Vessels of the United Kingdom.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said: "Built by Harland and Wolff shipyard workers in 1911, the SS Nomadic is Belfast's latest offering to the fabulous Titanic tourist trail. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of the passengers who boarded Titanic, as the refurbished ship still retains many of its original features. It is well worth a visit, not only as a stand-alone attraction, but also in tandem with Titanic Belfast, the Slipways, the Titanic Dock and Pump House.

"The SS Nomadic is another important dimension to the huge Titanic success story and it provides a real opportunity for tourists to stay longer and explore more of Belfast. I am confident that it will attract a wide range of local and overseas visitors, as well as cultural and historical tourists, maritime enthusiasts and special interest and education groups."

The project was supported by a number of organisations including the Department for Social Development, Heritage Lottery Fund, Special EU Programmes Body, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Ulster Garden Villages, Belfast City Council, Titanic Quarter and Belfast Harbour.

Dr Denis Rooney, Chairman of the SS Nomadic Charitable Trust said: "This has been a complex project as we had to secure substantial funding in difficult economic times and to find the ideal location in Hamilton dock which required substantial work to prepare her for receiving the ship. To see the ship in all her majestic glory today has made all of the hard work worth it.”

The seven year restoration project combined three elements including the Pumphouse, Hamilton Dock and the SS Nomadic.

(IT)