The LV18 Lightship, the last example of a working lightship, has arrived at Ipswich Waterfront for a residency.

East Anglian Daily Times: LightShip LV18 arrives in IpswichLightShip LV18 arrives in Ipswich (Image: Archant)

The military style operation took careful planning, and on the day a pilot and two tugs to get her from Harwich up the River Orwell to a berth at Orwell Quay.

Trinity House operated a fleet of light vessels around the country and coasts to protect mariners, until replaced by automation.

The LV18, the last surviving example of a working manned lightship, is now operated by a charitable trust.

It has been based at Harwich for seven years.

East Anglian Daily Times: From on board the LV18 on the River Orwell heading into IpswichFrom on board the LV18 on the River Orwell heading into Ipswich (Image: Archant)

Chairman Colin Crawford said the journey went without incident.

He said: “It was absolutely fine, it has been very good.

“You could say it went like clock-work, though you don’t say that for ships. “We have had our delays but it was a lovely day for it.

“We came through the dock gates with a tug at the bow and a tug at the stern, and berthed perfectly.

“We are really looking forward to being in Ipswich. The waterfront is a special area with lots of lovely restaurants and little boats in the marina. It is a vibrant area and we hope to meet a lot of people here.

“We aim to stay for six weeks, probably into November we will be heading back. We are having our own berth dredged there.”

Founder Tony O’Neil added: “We had a great send off from Harwich, with people waving us off from the quayside and pier.

“And there was a good crowd waiting here, and taking photographs. The weather was ideal.

“The ship is 40 metres long but it looked tiny next to the container ships at Felixstowe Port.

“She seems much bigger here.”

They had already met up with friends from Ipswich Community Radio to discuss working together for radio broadcasts, he said.

“Everybody is being so welcoming.”

They were also talking to Ipswich Borough Council about having live music on board the LV18 during the stay, he said.

The Lightship will be open to visitors during its stay, and there will be a number of events on board.