Net Zero

Revitalising Sheerness: An Update on the Historic Boat Store Project

admin

We hope this blog post finds you well and that you’ve had a wonderful year so far. We’re looking forward to 2025 with renewed energy and focus on our mission to revitalise the Historic Boat Store and create a brighter future for Sheerness.

Here’s the latest from The DVS!

Securing the Lease for Shed 78:

We’ve commissioned the services of an architect (Graham) to conduct a functional fit assessment of the Boat Store. With input from Historic England and Swale Council we will produce a proposal which will be submitted to Peel Port with our scheme of work for consideration. We anticipate having exciting news to share within the first quarter of 2025.

Engineering Survey and Pre-App Meeting:

Graham has also identified engineers to conduct a thorough survey of Shed 78. Once we are granted access by Peel Port and on completion of the engineering report, we will arrange a pre-application meeting with Historic England and Swale Council to discuss the renovation plans in detail.

Renovation and Fundraising:

Once the lease is secured our immediate focus is on the essential repairs and renovation of the Historic Boat Store. Our Advisory Group on Funding will spearhead the development of strategies to secure the necessary resources for this phase of the project. This will include grant applications, crowdfunding campaigns, and seeking support from corporate sponsors.

Community Engagement:

We are eager to hear your thoughts and ideas as we move forward with the renovation plans. We will be announcing dates for online and in-person consultations soon. Stay tuned for more information!

“Journey of a Lifetime” Update:

Our arts and community project, “Journey of a Lifetime,” is gaining momentum. We are currently developing creative workshops and identifying community venues in Nigeria to host the programme’s activities.

Timeline Update

Due to the necessary focus on securing funding for the renovation phase, the development of the carbon-neutral yacht is now projected to commence in 2026. This adjustment allows us to ensure the Historic Boat Store is fully restored and equipped to support the yacht’s construction.

How You Can Help

  • Support our Fundraising Efforts: Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Stay tuned for updates on our crowdfunding campaign and other fundraising initiatives.
  • Volunteer Your Time and Skills: We are always looking for skilled volunteers to join our team. Whether you have experience in construction, fundraising, marketing, digital media, or event planning, we welcome your contributions.
  • Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness by sharing our story with your friends, family, and colleagues.

Thank you for your continued support! We are excited to embark on this next chapter with you as we work together to create a thriving future for Sheerness.

Medway Business and Innovation Conference

admin

I had a great day at the inaugural Medway Business and Innovation Conference hosted by the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Greenwich. The Rochester Corn Exchange was the perfect venue, with its sweeping staircase, classical columns, ornate plasterwork and incredible chandeliers.

The opening speech from Labour MP for Rochester and Strood, Lauren Edwards set the scene and gave delegates a positive message for business support and growth in the Medway area. We then heard from the first keynote speaker, Peter Le Voir, CEO and founder of Rhokett, who shared his company’s journey providing insights into his business growth and finance.

Lauren Edwards MP
Peter Le Voir, CEO and founder of Rhokett

Delegates then had the choice of workshops which covered Closing the skills gap, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Sustainability, Digitising your business and Maximising value chains. Led by academics and business experts who facilitated lively discussions around the topics.

Following lunch a panel discussion led by Abbie Kempe, Canterbury Christ Church University explored opportunities for business support and funding through Innovate UK, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, and Medway Council with Annabelle Cox, CEO of Tensei providing an SME perspective on the obstacles to accessing government funding for early stage companies.

Annabelle Cox, Philip Galpin, John Hesketh, Sean Henry

The final keynote speaker was Roger Williams, founder of Intelligent Linking, who presented a positive review of his work with Medway Council in releasing entrepreneurial potential and its economic impact on the local community.

The event highlighted how universities and organisations can work together to help drive social and economic change in the region.

Bold Vision for Sheerness: Historic Boat Store Transformation Underway!

admin

Introduction:

Exciting news! The “Bold Vision for Sheerness” project is officially launched, and we’re thrilled to share our progress with you. Remember the inspiring energy at our recent event? That passion is fueling our mission to preserve Sheerness’s heritage while creating a sustainable future.

Our Mission:

At the heart of our project lies the magnificent Historic Boat Store (Shed 78) at Peel’s Port. Imagine this: a beautifully restored building, buzzing with activity, where we’re building a groundbreaking carbon-neutral yacht! This vessel, the first of its kind, will embark on a symbolic voyage to Nigeria, honoring ancestry, environmental responsibility, and community pride.

Project Highlights:

Phase 1 (Now – April 2025):

  • We’re working hard to secure the lease for Shed 78.
  • Building strong partnerships with Peel Ports, Historic England, and local authorities is a top priority.
  • We’ve assembled an Advisory Group on Funding to help us raise the resources needed to achieve our goals.
  • Our Heritage and Innovation Task Force is expertly guiding the integration of sustainable practices into the restoration.
  • Community consultations are launching soon! We want to ensure the local community is central to every step of this project.

How You Can Help:

Ready to join the journey? Here are four areas in which you can get involved:

1. Fuel the Vision: Donate!

Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Your donations will help us secure the lease for Shed 78 and begin the vital restoration work.

  • Donate Online: Our crowdfunding campaign is coming soon!
  • Corporate Sponsorships: Businesses, we invite you to partner with us and support this extraordinary project.

2. Share Your Skills:

We need talented volunteers with expertise in:

  • Construction
  • Engineering
  • Maritime Heritage
  • Community Outreach Are you passionate about heritage conservation or green energy? Join our Task Force!

3. Internship Opportunities: Are you a budding branding or digital design whiz? We’re looking for interns to help us build a strong online presence. Please send your CV to @c.akran@thedvs.co.uk

4. Be an Advocate: Your voice matters! Help us gain support from local and national politicians. Write to your MP, local councillors, or community leaders and tell them why this project is important. Let’s work together to unlock funding streams from the private sector too.

Upcoming Events: Stay tuned for dates for our upcoming stakeholder engagement events! We’ll be hosting both online and in-person events where you can share your ideas and feedback. We’ll share details about virtual meetings soon.

Stay Connected: Visit our website (www.thedvs.co.uk) to stay up-to-date on the latest news and progress. Together, we can transform the Historic Boat Store and build a greener future for Sheerness!

Let’s make history! Let’s inspire change! Let’s sail towards a sustainable tomorrow!

Contact Us: For more information or to get involved, email us at c.akran@thedvs.co.uk.

A Bold New Vision for Maritime in Sheerness: A Day of Transformation and Possibility

admin

In the quiet, historic town of Sheerness, known for its maritime legacy, the winds of change are blowing in a bold new direction. This was never more evident than during the ‘Bold New Vision’ event hosted by the Duke’s Voyager Shipyard (DVS), which sought to blend heritage with innovation in ways that could reshape Sheerness’ future. The event, held on Thursday 5th September 2024 at the iconic Dockyard Church, was a day filled with optimism, ideas, and a strong sense of community.

This is not just another tale of ambition but a story of transformation, but one that began earlier on Monday 8th July, when DVS took a critical step forward. Ben Thornley, Planning Manager at Peel Ports, assessed the prospects of DVS acquiring the historic Boat Store, and the site visit underlined the potential of this venture. The success of that meeting laid the groundwork for a formal proposal from DVS, positioning the Boat Store as central to Sheerness’ regeneration.

Welcome to the Future: Bold Ideas Take Centre Stage

With over 20 people in attendance, the atmosphere at the event was charged with anticipation. Ann Duke, the host, set the stage with a stirring introduction, followed by an impressive lineup of speakers who would each shed light on Sheerness’ exciting prospects. Among the key speakers were Jesse Seaward from the Thames Estuary Partnership, Dr Donna Arnold from the University of Kent, Andrew Pledger from Barclays Eagle Labs, and Jane Knight, CEO of Successful Mums Academy.

Tony Duke: The Man with the Vision

The heart of the day was undoubtedly Tony Duke, the visionary behind the Duke’s Voyager Shipyard project.

When Tony took to the stage, his passion was palpable. He outlined his journey from the Knowledge Dock, UEL, to his work with the University of Kent researching sustainable yacht building — it was about transforming Sheerness into a hub of innovation, breathing new life into the local economy and creating a place where both heritage and future generations thrive.

Reviving History: The Historic Boat Store Project

Following Tony’s impassioned speech, Clement Akran, Project Manager for DVS, took the stage to provide a detailed roadmap for the Historic Boat Store project.

His presentation painted a vivid picture of how the revitalisation of this space could bridge Sheerness’ past and future. It wasn’t just about preserving a piece of history but using it as a catalyst for economic growth, sustainability, and community renewal.

A Broader Conversation: Guest Speakers on the Future of Sheerness

As the event progressed, the conversation broadened to encompass the larger implications for Sheerness.

Jesse Seaward’s discussion on improving flood risk management along the Thames was timely and urgent, given the increasing risks posed by climate change. His insights into safeguarding riverside communities like Sheerness offered a glimpse into how sustainable strategies could help secure a resilient future.

Dr Donna Arnold, with her captivating insights into the preservation of historical artefacts, reminded the audience of the delicate balance between honouring the past and innovating for the future. Her talk served as a poignant reminder that preserving history is not only an act of respect but also a form of modern innovation.

Community Empowerment: Local Talent and Businesses

The afternoon shifted focus to community empowerment, with Andrew Pledger emphasising the importance of nurturing local startups and businesses through innovation and support. His call to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem felt like a critical missing link in Sheerness’ journey toward revitalisation

Jane Knight, the inspiring CEO of Successful Mums Academy, then took the stage to highlight how training and support for local residents, especially women, could be transformative. Her academy has helped over 10,000 parents return to work, and she passionately conveyed how the DVS vision could empower the Sheerness community far beyond economic growth.

Cultural Connection: A Cinematic Journey and Workshops

After a well-earned lunch break, the attendees were treated to a screening of Journey of a Lifetime, a short documentary by award-winning actor and director Alex Dower. The film drew a symbolic connection between Tony Duke’s vision for Sheerness and his personal family voyage to Nigeria, mirroring the town’s own journey of renewal. The use of a carbon-neutral yacht in the film underscored the commitment to sustainability, and the message of cultural connection resonated deeply with the audience.

The afternoon workshops allowed participants to explore key themes such as sustainability, local history, and funding partnerships. It was an opportunity for the community to contribute to the conversation, ask questions, and feel an active part of the vision for Sheerness.

A Moment of Reflection: Transformation and Renewal

As the day began to draw to a close, a gentle rain started to fall, casting a symbolic touch on the proceedings. It felt like nature herself was blessing the vision of transformation unfolding before us. The rain seemed to mark a renewal for Sheerness, echoing the sense of change that had permeated the event.

The Final Word: A Community on the Brink of Change

The event concluded with a panel discussion, featuring contributions from all the speakers and members of the audience.

Their passion for the future of Sheerness matched Tony Duke’s vision, and their insights underscored that this regeneration was not just a top-down initiative—it was something the entire community could get behind.

As the attendees slowly dispersed, it was clear that ‘A Bold New Vision for Sheerness’ was more than just an event—it was the start of a movement. The two-year timeline for the Duke’s Voyager Shipyard project may seem distant, but the excitement and determination on display ensured that the wait would be worth it. With the Duke family’s upcoming journey to Nigeria on a carbon-neutral yacht serving as a powerful symbol of this transformation, Sheerness stands poised to embrace a future that honours its past while forging ahead into a sustainable, innovative tomorrow.

Learning Curve

admin

Any new venture should always begin with a deep and thorough dive into research – if only to establish the right questions to ask.

I began with ‘The Elements of Boat Strength‘ by Dave Gerr, which introduced me to scantling rules and provided a detailed comparison between steel, aluminium, wood epoxy and glass fibre for hull and deck construction. I did have some experience with glass fibre from my work in automotive restoration and knew that its strength and durability had transformed the boating industry making it possible to mass produce hull, deck and other components.

This led to my first question.

“Could we build a yacht’s hull and deck out of natural fibre composite, as a low carbon alternative to glass fibre construction?”

To begin answering this question, my son and I headed down to Plymouth university for the Green Tech Boat Show.

Here we spoke with like-minded academics and pioneering businesses which reinforced my belief that a carbon neutral, luxury sailing yacht could contribute to a greener future for the marine sector.

Having a background in digital technology, I quickly reverted to type and started trawling the net finding a plethora of information and software solutions from naval architecture to innovations in bio polymer fibre and smart resins.

The next challenge was to find the perfect yacht design. Following weeks of research, I decided to go with a proven design as my starting point: the New York 65, designed by Bruce Roberts.

This design has a history of ocean voyages covering thousands of miles including the Northwest Passage from the North Atlantic, north of Canada’s Baffin Island, in the east to the Beaufort Sea, north of the U.S. state of Alaska, in the west.

Designed in 1993, this is a 30 year old design but with a low carbon composite hull, solar power, electric engine and stunning interior design it will become a lean, green 65’ luxury sailing yacht, the MollyD.

An invitation via Medway Growth Hub led me to Net Zero workshops delivered by Dr Robert Barker and Chloe Skingle at the University of Kent.

The workshops were exactly what I needed to define the challenges.

1. Source low carbon alternatives to fibreglass as the main composite for hull and deck construction.

2. Explore sustainable energy sources for manufacturing process.

3. Design vacuum infusion delivery system to minimise material waste.

4. Identify suitable manufacturing site locations to minimise transportation to launch site.

Chloe Skingle UoK
Chloe Skingle UoK

Following the workshops I had the tools to develop a Life Cycle Assessment.

Having gained a grant from the Community Renewal Fund to collaborate with the University of Kent the work now starts to overcome the challenges and decarbonise the yacht manufacturing process from beginning to end of use.

Closing the circle

admin

What began at my mum’s cremation quickly turned in to the adventure of a life time.

My mother died in early 2020 at the ripe old age of 94, I inherited her ashes and a dream to take them to my grandfather’s homeland in Africa.

My son said we should sail there and so was born the ‘MollyD’ an idea to build a yacht and sail to Africa. Obviously if the yacht is named in honour of my mum it’s going to be the best it can and help some people on the way.

The MollyD can’t be too small or too big and she can’t be polluting the planet. She has to be sleek yet modest on the outside with a silent and powerful heart to support her wind filled sails.

The MollyD a lean green sailing machine.