TID 164 Preservation Trust

11/06/2026

AI can be great, and thank you to David for creating the clip; however, the real-life version is so much better, don't you think? Please like, share, follow, or donate to get TID164 back in action again

01/06/2026

The Medway Queen Preservation Society still have tickets available for their next live event on Saturday 6th June. Check us out next door if you’re going down!

Well we now have a new act on the Medway Queen. On the 6th June, we will be having Matt Brooks singing and playing his guitar for us. There will be ample free parking, disabled access, a well stocked open bar, but you can bring your own snacks or we do sell crisps and mini cheddars. If you have been to one of our events before, you will know that we always have a great time on this unique venue - the amazing Paddle Steamer, Medway Queen. We won't be going down the river, but a wonderful evening will be guaranteed. To book ring Pam on 07790 179760 or you can book through Eventbrite. Children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult.

31/05/2026

⚓ TID Bits ⚓

Here are some of the new sacrificial anodes recently donated to TID 164 by Tug Touchstone Technical. — thank you for your support of the restoration project!

Sacrificial anodes play a hugely important role in protecting steel vessels from corrosion.

When different metals sit in seawater, a natural electrical reaction takes place which can slowly eat away at the hull and underwater fittings. The anodes are designed to corrode first, effectively sacrificing themselves to help protect the tug’s steelwork beneath the waterline.

It’s one of those small but essential pieces of maritime engineering that helps preserve historic vessels like TID 164 for the future ⚓

30/05/2026

📖 TIDstory 📖

A photo of TID at Faversham Creek, believed to date from around 1979.

By this stage, TID’s commercial working life was drawing to a close and the tug was laid up in the creek after years of service.

These photographs are fascinating to look at today because so many familiar details are still recognisable — from the shape of the funnel and wheelhouse to the deck layout and fittings we continue to work on during restoration.

Historic photos like these are incredibly valuable to the project, helping us better understand how TID 164 looked during different stages of her working life.

It’s remarkable to think that nearly half a century after these photos were taken, the tug is still here and being carefully preserved for the future ⚓

� TIDstory �

Two photographs of TID 164 in Faversham Creek, believed to date from around 1979.

By this stage, her commercial working life was drawing to a close and the tug was laid up in the creek after years of service.

These photographs are fascinating to look at today because so many familiar details are still recognisable — from the shape of the funnel and wheelhouse to the deck layout and fittings we continue to work on during restoration.

Historic photos like these are incredibly valuable to the project, helping us better understand how TID 164 looked during different stages of her working life.

It’s remarkable to think that nearly half a century after these photos were taken, the tug is still here and being carefully preserved for the future �

26/05/2026

Some fantastic drone shots of TID164 taken by Jason Arthur this weekend - thank you so much!

24/05/2026

⚓ TID Bits ⚓

One of the lovely original details on TID 164 is her stamped registration marking:

OFFL No 181115
REGᵉᵈ TONS NIL

As part of the restoration, this area has now been stripped back and repainted in Light Admiralty Grey (SML Paints and Coatings), returning her closer to her original appearance.

Because the lettering is stamped into the surface, it can be carefully reinstated in the future — keeping one more small but important part of TID 164’s identity intact.

We’re now doing a little research into exactly what the 181115 number is — there are already a few different theories amongst the team! Could it be an IMO, PPA or SSR? What do you think?



We have found out that the OFF No 181115, as correctly stated by our #
This is the vessel's permanent Official Registry Number issued by the British Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen. (now known as the UK SHIPS REGISTER)
Unlike a boat's name, which can change, this unique six-digit number stays with the hull for its entire life.
It proves the tugboat is registered as a British ship, granting it legal protection and commercial status.

Next question - why is she registered as TONS NIL?

#

23/05/2026

Lovely time in the sunshine watching the Medway Barge Sailing Match today from TID, alongside our friends at The Medway Queen Preservation Society who had an excellent view from the rear of the Medway Queen! Wishing you all a lovely bank holiday!
Sailing Barge Trust (TSBT)

23/05/2026

Thanks for your support Tug Touchstone Technical. It’s a shame we missed you today! We’ll be down later today to try and get some work done despite the blazing sunshine ☀️

21/05/2026

Thank you to Sunderland Antiquarian Society for all your support of TID and this lovely post. Good to have you onboard!

Steam tug TID 164, built at Southwick by William Pickersgill in 1945.
Currently under restoration at Gillingham Pier in Kent, by the TID 164 Preservation Trust.
They are hoping to have her out of the water soon to assess the hull, which can be an expensive business.
Search for them online to get details of how folks can help.

182 TID tugs were built during and shortly after WW2, 23 were built on the Wear. A handful remain, with only 4 intact with original steam engines.