The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer still in called into Portland port yesterday.

The PS Waverley called into the Port yesterday afternoon as it prepares to make its way along the Jurassic Coast before leaving to the Isle of Wight. It will then sail from Portsmouth down to Swanage and then travel to Needles and Freshwater Bay.

Built in 1946, the 78 year-old ship was built by John Inglis in Glasgow Scotland and can carry 925 passengers. It went through a massive heritage rebuild, which took place across two phases in 2000 and 2003 costing £7m. 

A paddle steamer is a boat powered by a steam engine driving paddle wheels to help propel the craft through the water.

Recently, the ship was awarded the title of National Historic Ship of the Year 2024 by National Historic Ships of the United Kingdom.