From its inception in 2006 the Nomadic Preservation Society has always sought to promote SS Nomadic and her restoration as a dignified monument to our maritime heritage. When Nomadic returned home after almost a century we were thrilled to hear that she was to be “restored to her former glory”. Nomadic’s engines were removed and scrapped in the late 1960’s to make room for, what was then, a modern cinema and dance floor. Many of her safety bulkheads were cut away to produce a more convenient layout as a floating restaurant and events venue. The N.P.S. believe that these commercially geared actions must be reversed if Nomadic is to reflect her monumental pedigree with any authenticity. In that same year, 2006, we learned of a contemporary steamer in Kenya which was still in operation on Lake Victoria. The SS Nyanza was a Steam Ship of almost identical dimensions to Nomadic whose power plant had been designed and built in Britain in the same time as Nomadic’s. The owner of Nyanza planned to convert her to diesel power and hoped to find a buyer for her original steam plant which in itself is a remarkable example of British engineering and worthy of any museum. Unfortunately the owners of Nyanza have had no contact or show of interest from the company set up to manage Nomadic’s restoration (SS Nomadic Charitable Trust Ltd) and now have decided to scrap the entire power plant. This type of machinery is not to be found easily; in fact the providence of such a rare find is truly amazing and will perhaps never occur again. Throughout this last 18 months the N.P.S. has been in regular contact with the owner of SS Nyanza in an attempt to secure these valuable artefacts, which would transform Nomadic from a floating hulk into a steam ship again. We have been told that it would cost millions to re-engine Nomadic again. In fact, the cost of purchasing just some of the items on offer individually would be in excess of £1.3 million! However, the Society has almost concluded a staged repayment deal for the entire power plant from SS Nyanza for as little as £200,000! This includes a twin matched set of compatible period steam engines, original Scotch boilers, condensers, the iconic engine telegraphs, controls and all supporting machinery including pumps, two original bronze propellers and a catalogue of other items… even a steam steering engine and capstans which are now missing from Nomadic’s aft deck. This is an unprecedented chance of a lifetime which cannot be allowed to slip away. The owners of Nyanza will also dismantle and crate the system and transport it to Mombasa ready for shipment to Belfast included in the price. We have also initiated negotiations with the Royal Navy to have the system transported back to the UK. Part of Nomadic’s restoration will be the removal of the concrete ballast put into the vessel after the removal of her engines. This must be taken out for work to be carried out on her hull. What will happen then? Will more concrete be installed to give this “Floating Attraction” the ballast she needs? Why, when genuine period steam engines can be installed instead! Back in the “Save Nomadic” days we sold our souls for support to save this historic vessel, now we must do it again if we are to see her restored in a manner suiting her rich history. We make no apology concerning this, we have a dream to pursue and I hope you will join us in this greatly historic campaign. What we urgently need is the immediate blessing of the managing company before it is too late. The foundations for a massive global campaign are in place, the worldwide Titanic community has pledged its support, negotiations and frantic preparations are already underway. Now we are putting out this word to our members and the world, we will be relying upon your faith and support as always. We are ready to roll and believe we can make this happen. But we must know… Nomadic Charitable Trust, we cannot delay any further… are we good to go? On behalf of: The Committee Nomadic Preservation Society -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David Scott-Beddard Chairman Nomadic Preservation Society more...

Former Maintenance officer Mervyn Pritchard has released his in depth analysis on the restoration and future of SS Nomadic. Exclusive to the N.P.S The Society is thrilled to bring you this detailed document for the first time more...

It gives me great pleasure to announce that John White has been accepted back onto the NPS committee. more...

The N.P.S. are thrilled to inform all our members that SS Nomadic has been officially recognised as an vital part of our maritime heritage. more...