The Historic Vessel Havengore
Twin Gardner 8L3 main propulsion engines.
The MV Havengore was commissioned in 1954 by the Port of London Authority (PLA) as a hydrographic survey and ceremonial vessel. Built by Messrs. Tough Bros of Teddington, she is still powered by an original matched pair of Gardner 8L3 diesel engines. On trials she averaged 12.25 knots - which she can still make to this day.
In use by the PLA for 35 years, she saw her most important service on January 30th 1965, when she carried Sir Winston Churchill on his last journey by water from Tower Pier to Festival Pier during his State Funeral. This event was watched live by an estimated worldwide TV audience of 350million people.
Havengore, now fully restored, is owned by Mr. Christopher Ryland and currently used to support various charities and public service events. Also, under the management of Venues of Distinction Ltd, she is available for corporate charter on the Thames from her base in St Katharine Docks.
Gardner Marine Diesels have carried out all repairs and servicing on her engines since 2006, including a complete in situ overhaul of the port engine and are currently contracted to provide on going maintenance services.
For further details, see www.havengore.com or look up her entry on Wikipedia.
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