The Zeelands Luister restoration project has been pushed back three weeks.

We’ve a summer programme of works planned including: hull sandblasting; anode replacement; steel work to restore the 100 year old barge to its traditional design; and painting.

It’s a once in a 10 year project, and then some.

We had planned to head down the River Thames from Greenland Dock on a falling tide at around 2am on 11 May, to Turks Shipyard in Chatham, Kent.

The project has been in the works since November. The date has been pushed back to 30 May because of project over runs in the dock.

It’s proved to be a significant planning challenge. We’ve had to rebook a river pilot, surveyor, project manager, and accommodation.

Without exception everyone has been accommodating and understanding. People are used to moving at the pace of the river.

You can’t fight a tide.