In the fifties Dutchman Servaas Strik started buying parts of historic ships. His impressive collection includes steam boilers, steam whistles, barometers ,fire extinguishers, level gauges, compasses and diesel engines.
In 2006 he decided to build a ship with the functional relics from his collection and the festive keel laying took place in 2007. It took 7 years to finish. The vessel is basically new, but the interior is a great historical treasure. Many old but famous ships live on through the reuse of their components, including the RMS Windsor Castle and the aircraft carrier George Clemenceau.
Strik chose George Stephenson as the name for his vessel. George was a famous inventor and developer of steam- powered locomotives, the pioneer of the railroads during the first half of the 19th century.
The Stephenson has two engine rooms. One diesel-powered and one with a 'Clyde puffer' steam engine.
The steamship now visits the many ports around Europe to raise funds for the Foundation for Urological Research (SUWO), located at the Erasmus Medical Centre of the University of Rotterdam.
This month it was in our own harbor at the Maritime Museum and was partially open to the public.
She smiles, have you noticed? (Ships are always female…)