2026 is an important year for National Historic Ships UK as we celebrate 20 years as the official voice for historic vessels in the UK.

During this time, we have taken pride in growing and maintaining the National Historic Ships Registers which now number 2245 vessels.

To ensure that these craft have the necessary skills, services and facilities to survive, the Shipshape Network was established in 2010 and now plays a vital role connecting maritime heritage enthusiasts and professionals around the UK.

We have expanded our reach to encompass a range of training initiatives, as well as celebrating sector achievements through our annual Awards programme and related events and exhibitions.

Highlights from our first two decades:

  • 2006: the National Historic Ships unit was formally established at Greenwich, funded by the Department of Culture, Media & Sport
  • 2007: the first two volumes of ‘Understanding Historic Vessels’ were published, with the third volume on conservation following in 2010
  • 2009: a new, bespoke website was launched, as well as our first Photographic Competition and Awards Ceremony
  • 2010: set up the Shipshape Network to regenerate traditional maritime skills
  • 2011: partnered with the Marsh Charitable Trust to offer Volunteering Awards
  • 2014: secured funding for the Shipshape Heritage Training Partnership (SHTP) training scheme
  • 2017: certificated a distance learning course in Historic Vessel Conservation
  • 2019: created a new Award for Excellence in Maritime Conservation named after our first Director, Martyn Heighton
  • 2021: published specialist guidance on Climate Change
  • 2023: developed the Traditional Seafarer Introductory Certificate

We will be celebrating these and other achievements throughout the year. Watch this space!
Pauline by Gabrielle Lorenz
Scorpio by Ian Kippax
Thames Sailing Barges by Fraser Gray

What’s planned to celebrate the Anniversary Year?

Throughout the year, we’ll be reflecting on how far we have come by sharing our top 20 Projects on social media, as well as birthday messages and memories from across the historic vessel sector.  To send us comments or recollections from visits and events you have participated in, email: info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk

We’ll also be sending out a 20th Anniversary Registration Certificate to custodians of all craft on the National Register of Historic Vessels as a gift to mark the occasion.

In July, we will be hosting a VIP Reception at Trinity House to thank some of the people who have been an important part of our story and, in November, we will premiere an online Awards Special via YouTube, filmed from our birthplace – London.

A message from our Director:

“The team and I would like to thank all those who have worked or engaged with us over the last 20 years.  We are excited for the new opportunities that lie ahead as we seek to deepen our support for the UK’s historic vessel sector”, Hannah Cunliffe

For more details and regular updates on our Anniversary, please stay connected via our monthly Newsletter.