In 1995, the PLA put Havengore up for tender. As a hydrographic survey vessel with her twelve man crew and expensive maintenance, Havengore was no longer considered to be cost-effective. Indeed investment in her repairs had dwindled and she was deteriorating rapidly.

Eventually, she was purchased by Owen Palmer, an Australian businessman, without whose timely intervention the Havengore would surely have ended up as scrap. Palmer conducted a restoration programme carried out in the historic dockyard at Chatham, Kent which commenced in the summer of 1997. Major works undertaken at this time included the refastening and recaulking of the desks, the replacement/strengthening of the gunnel, new rubbing band, stanctions and handrail, new chartroom roof, restoration of the exterior paneling and new generators. Following this Havengore was able to sail again and over the next few years, she supported numerous ceremonial and charitable events.

In the autumn of 2005, Palmer announced that he was putting Havengore up for sale. Following several month’s of uncertainty regarding her future, during which it was rumoured that several foreign bidders might be interested, she was eventually bought by a British business man, Mr Chris Ryland, his intention being to convert her to become a prestige river transport and hospitality venue based on the Thames in London. In addition, his purchase has ensure that the Havengore will remain in England for the foreseeable future and her operating life will be significantly extended.

Indeed, under her new ownership, Havengore has already benefited from a further and very extensive refit. The majority of this work has been carried out by F Parham’s at Gillingham Marina. The Wheelhouse has been completely refurbished, including the fitting of all the latest electronic navigational aids. A complete range of new safety equipment has been installed and two new emergency exits constructed. New fire resistant cladding (to 900C) has been installed around the engine room, where a new ventilation system has also been fitted. Both 12/24 volt and 240 volt electrical systems have been overhauled and re-certified. The crew’s quarters have been renovated and a new galley and food preparation/storage areas constructed. The engines have also received very special attention. Havengore is powered by two Gardner L3s – classics of British engineering at its best. The port engine has been fully and professionally reconditioned by Gardner Marine Diesels and some work done on the starboard with more to come. And so the list goes on.

In July 2006 another major milestone was achieved when Havengore passed all the tests set by the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and was certified as a passenger ship capable of carrying up to 30 passengers. It is believed that Havengore is unique as an historic craft which has been upgraded to pass the latest and very rigorous safety standards for new passenger vessels.

In truth no such restoration programme is ever complete and from now on, Havengore will benefit from a regular refit.