The Steam Tug Challenge

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The Steam Tug Challenge The Steam Tug Challenge
The last working steam tug on the Thames and a Dunkirk Little Ship. CHALLENGE is the last steam tug to have worked on the Thames.

She took part in Operation Dynamo in May 1940 to evacuate British and French troops from DUNKIRK
She is listed on the National Register of Historic Vessels "Core Collection"
A small and dedicated group of volunteers keep her in full working order today.

Despite the wind and rain volunteers were onboard at the weekend. They installed a new chimney for the new rear crew roo...
26/10/2026

Despite the wind and rain volunteers were onboard at the weekend. They installed a new chimney for the new rear crew room fire and welded up all remaining holes in the bridge deck above the chart room.

13/10/2026

Earlier this year, our beloved steam tug Challenge lost her long‑standing mooring. Since then, she has been surviving on a temporary berth, but sadly, we’ve now reached the point where we cannot stay there much longer.

Challenge is a unique and irreplaceable piece of maritime history. She has weathered war, storms, and decades of service but right now, her greatest threat is simply having nowhere to call home.

Because of her deep draft of 3.8 metres, a mud berth isn’t possible, and suitable moorings are incredibly hard to find. We are reaching out to our community, supporters, and anyone with connections in the maritime world: we urgently need help to secure a safe, long‑term mooring for her.

If you know of a berth, a harbour authority, a private owner, or an organisation that might be able to help, please get in touch. Even sharing this post could make all the difference.

Challenge has been part of our heritage for over a century and with your help, we can make sure she continues to have a future.

Thank you for your kindness, your support, and for helping us keep her story alive.

06/10/2026
26/09/2026
84 years and 1 day ago Challenge, Crestedcock and Watercock. Towed Knock John out and sunk her in position. Crested C**k...
02/08/2026

84 years and 1 day ago Challenge, Crestedcock and Watercock. Towed Knock John out and sunk her in position. Crested C**k and Water C**k may not be around but Challenge is and we are steaming past her on our way home from Shotley.

31/07/2026

Off to celebrate Chris's birthday this weekend

Full Steam Ahead Episode 2 is now live!
26/06/2026

Full Steam Ahead Episode 2 is now live!

In this series you can follow the work carried out by us to fully r...

Please please vote for us. It only takes a minute! Thank you!
24/06/2026

Please please vote for us. It only takes a minute! Thank you!

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