The Steam Tug Cervia
Preservation Trust

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About Cervia

Steam Tug Cervia, was launched as the ‘Empire Raymond’
She is the last known survivor of England’s Wartime fleet of ‘Empire Ship’s’.
Commissioned by the Ministry of War for Operation Overlord, completed in 1945.

She had a successful and notable working career, a common sight in many UK ports and around coastal waters. A rare survivor from the pinnacle of steam ship development.

Steam Tug Cervia was the last sea-going steam tug to work commercially in UK waters!

Steam Tug Cervia uniquely remains almost entirely intact, as she was from the day she was built.


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Who are we?

‘The Steam Tug Cervia Preservation Trust’
is a CIO charity: 1201692 formed with the stated aims: –
‘ To preserve, to conserve and, to maintain for the public benefit the historic Steam Tug Cervia (National Heritage Ship number 5) as a National Heritage Asset for the benefit and advancement of Public Education’.

As a permanent guest within the Ramsgate Royal Heritage Harbour, her home port for the last 40 years, to the benefit of the local community and wider society as a recognised historic ship within a historic harbour, to educate.

We also wish to provide in Cervia, a long standing memorieum, to all lighterage and watermen who have sadly all too often died in the course of their work unrecognised.

Also a living memorieum to all Empire Ships commissioned by the Ministry of Transport for World War II, now almost all lost.
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How can you help?

The Cervia needs help to raise funds to provide a secure future, and to undertake necessary basic repairs to allow her to re-open and then remain accessible to the Public, generating our own revenue.

We need Volunteers

All are welcome.
– Become a Cervia Greeter
– Be a tour guide
– Give public talks
– Running the shop
– Engineering
– Cleaning
– Painting
– Polishing
– Carpentry
– Admin
Join the Fun, join the Cervia Volunteer Crew.

Make a Donation

Your Donation, Large or Small, is greatefully received. Whether it helps buy a new bolt, a tin of paint, or a can of oil, every single penny donated really does help. We want to open Cervia to the public. We want to provide live steam days.

Please help;-
Use the ‘Donate Button’
or become a ‘Friend of Steam Tug Cervia‘ and have regular updates on our Progress and private viewings when we are open to the Public.

‘Sponsorship’
If you are a business, your Sponsorship would be welcomed.

‘Gifts and Legacies’
Your gift will make a significant difference.

Thank you.

Who do we work with?

We are working closely with ‘Thanet District Council’, Ramsgate Town Council, Ramsgate Royal Harbour trust and The Ramsgate Society. We have their full support to remain berthed adjacent the historic John Smeaton (lighthouse builder) Dry Dock. We work with heritage partners National Historic Ships UK to name a few.

OUR PARTNERS