Middleport Pottery narrowboat to fly flag for 'maritime heritage'

A 1947 narrowboat which carried clay slip in the Potteries has been announced as one of four historic vessels from around the country to be appointed by National Historic Ships UK (NHS-UK) as its Flagships of the Year for 2025 and ‘fly the flag’ for maritime heritage. 

Built at the Charles Stanyer yard in Burslem, Dane is now a vital part of the educational offering at Middleport Pottery heritage site. As well as learning about the history of the vessel and the lives of the workers who transported goods across the region’s canals, visitors can also take trips on Dane from April to October.

The 2025 Flagships are:

• Barnabas – 1881 Cornish fishing vessel, the last of a thousand-strong fleet, now helping the local community to learn about, and sail, our traditional boats
• Sir Walter Scott – Victorian passenger steamship celebrating 125 years of steaming on Loch Katrine in the Scottish Highlands
• Llanthony – 1930s Gentleman’s Motor Yacht which saved 280 lives at Dunkirk and recently completed an award-winning restoration
• Dane – 1947 Narrowboat which carried cargo in the Potteries and is now a vital part of the educational offering at the Middleport Pottery heritage site

The 2025 Flagships will receive a special broad pennant to fly at the masthead and a brass plaque for their vessel.   Each Flagship will hold a flag-hoisting ceremony during May and June to celebrate its new status.  Local press are welcome to attend – see Notes For Editors for dates.

NHS-UK’s annual Flagship Awards have been running since 2009.  The Awards provide an opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate the value of historic vessels to the wider public.  This can be through a variety of online activities, special events, open days, workshops and tours.  Competition was particularly strong for the coveted accolade this year. 

Applications were received from a range of operational and static vessels on the National Registers based on their seasonal programmes and planned level of outreach.  NHS-UK has awarded four very different craft the status of Flagship of the Year 2025; this year they are all operational vessels.

Flagships promote the role of National Historic Ships UK by publicising its annual Photo Competition, Excellence in Maritime Conservation and Marsh Volunteer Awards.  They will also be flying the flag as ambassadors for the UK’s maritime heritage sector. 

NHS-UK will work closely with each of the Flagships to promote their vessel and offer support and advice.