Steam Tug Daniel Adamson

The steam-powered tug, Daniel Adamson, was built at Cammell Laird ship yard in Birkenhead, in 1903. Then named the Ralph Brocklebank, she hauled barges on the canal systems that connected inland Cheshire and the Potteries with the port of Liverpool.

In 1922, she was bought by the Manchester Ship Canal Company, whose colours she still displays today. Her lower saloon was re-fitted in 1936, using the same Art Deco style as the ocean-going liners built around that time. She was renamed in the same year. Her other role, as a hospitality vessel carrying VIPs, became increasingly important. 

Withdrawn from service in 1984 after the closure of Manchester docks, she suffered a period of neglect, but was eventually saved from going for scrap by a group of supporters who bought her for £1, in 2004. The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society, with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, restored her to full working order, in 2016.

Our recent trip on “The Danny” began at the Ellesmere Port mooring, adjacent to the boat museum on the Manchester Ship Canal. It took us first to Eastham Locks, the River Mersey entrance to the MSC, and then headed as far as the Stanlow oil refinery, in the Manchester direction. 

With access to all areas of the vessel except the bridge, including optional and supervised hard hat visits below decks to see the engine room in action, the whole experience was a delight. The friendly, enthusiastic and informative volunteer crew members seemed to be just bursting with pride at their achievement - and with good reason.