Waverley Commemorates Its Launch's 80th Anniversary

Posted On: 10/13/2026, 11:07:23 AM

Last Update: 10/13/2026, 11:07:23 AM

The United Kingdom is commemorating a significant milestone with the 80th anniversary of the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, the Waverley.

Launched in 1946 in Scotland, the Waverley remains a prominent symbol of UK shipbuilding and is notable for being the last steamer still in operation. Its history is tied to the Pointhouse Yard of A.&J., where it was named and launched, marking a remarkable legacy in maritime history.

Inglis, launched in Glasgow on October 2, 1946, became the last paddle steamer built in Scotland. Her construction began in 1945, delayed by post-World War II material shortages, before entering service in June 1947, marking the start of her remarkable career as a historic vessel.

Waverley Paddle Steamer Restored After Major Overhaul

Waverley, with her boilers installed in 1947, served as a commercial ferry in western Scotland until the early 1970s and later offered excursion cruises. Measuring 240 feet and displacing 1,524,600 lbs., she features a historic 2100 horsepower diagonal triple-expansion steam engine powering two paddle wheels.

Originally equipped with a double-ended Scotch boiler, she was retrofitted with a Babcock Steambloc boiler in 1981. While initially certified for 1,350 passengers, her current capacity is 860.

In 1974, the paddle steamer was transferred to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for £1, operating cruises for a decade. After a rebuild in the early 2000s to restore her 1940s style, she faced a career-threatening boiler failure in May 2019, which was mitigated by a public appeal that raised over $3 million for new boilers.

Remarkably, the refurbishment included new boilers, electrical systems, and other upgrades. She entered drydock in spring 2020, and after delays related to COVID-19, completed sea trials in mid-August.

Waverley Commemorates Its Launch's 80th Anniversary

Iconic Waverley Celebrates 80 Years of Steam Travel

This week, the Waverley is commemorating its status as the world's last paddle steamer still in service. The celebrations included a magnificent passage through London's Tower Bridge during a special anniversary sailing on the River Thames.

According to General Manager of Waverley Excursions, Paul Semple, Waverley, celebrating her 80th anniversary, stands as a significant accomplishment for all associated with her,

He highlighted that initially built to serve the Clyde coast, Waverley still provides countless individuals with the joy of steam travel after eight decades. Ultimately, Semple underscored that Waverley has evolved from her original purpose into a vital component of maritime history and a cherished element of the UK's national heritage.

In brief, as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations, the steamer Waverley is highlighted in a new book titled “Waverley 80 Years of Pleasure,” chronicling its history. It is currently sailing on the River Thames until October 11, before returning to Glasgow and the Clyde for two final sailings, concluding the anniversary season before winter layup.

Maritime Engineering Courses on paddle steamers cover the evolution of mechanical systems like triple-expansion steam engines and feathering paddle wheels. Emphasis is placed on naval architecture, including hull stability, weight distribution, and manoeuvrability. The historical significance in 19th-century trade and coastal travel is also explored, along with current studies on maritime heritage preservation and modern adaptations like hybrid propulsion for sustainability.