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The three-masted square-rigged vessel Duchesse Anne, which has become an emblem of the city of Dunkirk, is in need of major restoration due to her advanced age. This ambitious restoration project, scheduled for completion in the summer of 2025, aims to restore this historic ship to her former glory, making the Dunkirk Maritime Museum's showcase shine once again.
German origins
Duchesse Anne, formerly known as Grossherzogin Elisabeth, is the largest sailing ship and the last three-masted square-rigged vessel preserved in France. Built in 1901 by the Joh. C. Tecklenborg shipyard in Bremerhaven-Geestemünde, to designs by Georg W. Claussen, she is renowned for her architectural style and the way she was built. Claussen, she is renowned for her exceptional naval architecture, notably her streamlined steel hull and the overall balance of the vessel, which offers ample living space while incorporating safety innovations.
Initially a training ship for the German merchant navy, she came under the French flag in 1946 and was handed over to the French Navy as war compensation. Stationed in Lorient and Brest but never put to sea, she was saved from demolition in the 1970s thanks to the determination of a group of enthusiasts.
After an initial meticulous restoration to her original state, while preserving her authenticity as a training ship, she is now a floating museum open to visitors in the port of Dunkirk.
The ravages of time and northern climate
Almost 120 years after its launch, the beautiful Duchesse is in need of attention. Her hull, made of riveted and welded steel plates, is suffering from rain damage. The Oregon pine deck is also in a sorry state and will have to be completely redone.
Over time, freshwater has infiltrated many areas, causing deep deterioration of the wooden elements and rusting of the metal parts.
In the 1980s, concrete was poured into the bottom to ballast the vessel. But the cohabitation of aggregate and steel caused irreversible damage below the waterline.
18 months of construction and a budget of 12 million euros
After two years of feasibility studies, work began in January 2024 and is scheduled for completion in summer 2025. Once the top masts have been removed, the entire wooden deck removed and the bottom cleaned, the hull will be towed away for a long stay in dry dock.
It will then be partly dismantled to remove the concrete, and the entire structure will be completely rebuilt. The bridge will be completely rebuilt, as will the interior fittings, which should return to the same appearance as when it was launched at the beginning of the last century.
After all that, Duchesse Anne will return to her quay opposite the Musée Maritime de Dunkerque. With a clear deadline. She must be present at the Tall Ship Race, to be held in Dunkirk from July 10 to 13, 2025.
