Full Ahead : the podcast about ships and shipping20 Elo 2025

The Danny: Steaming through history, the tug that refused to die

What does a 120-year-old steam tug sound like — and how did it escape the scrapyard?

This month, Full Ahead goes aboard one of Britain's most remarkable surviving working vessels.

Built at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead in 1903, the Daniel Adamson — affectionately known as The Danny — once worked the busy waterways of the North West, towing barges and even ocean liners along the Mersey, Manchester Ship Canal and River Weaver.

Today, thanks to a remarkable team of volunteers, this piece of maritime history is sailing again.

But how did The Danny survive when so many vessels of her generation were scrapped? What does it take to keep a 120-year-old steam tug operating? And why are so many people prepared to give their time to keep her alive?

Alistair Eagles and Nigel Thompson go aboard to discover the answers as well as to experience the unmistakable sights, sounds and atmosphere of a working steam tug.

We also explore the bigger story behind The Danny: how a historic vessel can connect communities with the North West's maritime past while inspiring people to discover contemporary careers and opportunities in the maritime sector.

Join us for this feature-length edition of Full Ahead — a journey into steam, history, volunteering and the enduring fascination of ships.

Full Ahead brings you the people, places and stories behind the maritime world.

If you enjoy the episode, follow Full Ahead on Spotify, share it with someone who loves ships and let us know what you'd like us to explore next.

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