The Edwin Fox
Discover the legendary Edwin Fox—a vessel that has captivated imaginations for over 30 years. Once a convict transporter, refrigeration pioneer, and key player in the Crimean War, this ship stands as a living testament to maritime innovation and resilience.
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History & Achievements of The Edwin Fox Ship Through the Ages
Built in 1853, the Edwin Fox is the last of her kind.
Now a tourist attraction and unique learning experience including a Maritime Museum in Picton, New Zealand, the Edwin Fox is the world’s oldest merchant ship.
She is also the oldest wooden vessel that brought immigrants to New Zealand, the last surviving ship that transported convicts to Australia and the only wooden Crimean War troop carrier still in existence. In later years she was a pioneering refrigeration ship.
The Edwin Fox was salvaged in nearby Shakespeare Bay in 1967 having fallen into disrepair and since then has been lovingly preserved over the past 30 years, mostly by volunteers, and now sits in dry dock for all to appreciate.
Initially the Edwin Fox Society, formed in 1965, completed much of the hard work in getting the ship to its preserved state. In July 2023 the Marlborough District Council took ownership of the ship and adjacent museum and is now kaitiaki (guardian).
The Edwin Fox is one of a kind and has Category 1 registration from Heritage New Zealand.
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1853
The Edwin Fox is Launched - First Voyage from Kolkata to London
The Edwin Fox was completed in 1853 and sailed for the first time from Kolkata to London. This marked the beginning of her long and storied history as a merchant ship.
1854
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Requisitioned for the Crimean War - Transporting Troops and Equipment
The British Government requisitioned the Edwin Fox for the Crimean War. She carried troops and equipment to both the Baltic and Black Seas, playing a role in the conflict.
1857
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Transporting Indentured Labourers from China to Cuba
In 1857, the Edwin Fox transported indentured labourers from China to Cuba. This marked a significant point in the history of the ship as it carried workers to replace slaves on sugar plantations.
1858
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The Edwin Fox Transports Convicts to Western Australia
The Edwin Fox became part of the convict transportation system, carrying prisoners to Western Australia, further solidifying her place in maritime history.
1867
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Conversion to a Barque - Transitioning to a Slower Ship
The Edwin Fox was converted to a barque in 1867, which reduced her crew requirements but also slowed her speed. The rise of steam-powered ships and the opening of the Suez Canal made her less competitive.
1873
First Migration Voyage to New Zealand - A Journey Across the Pacific
The Edwin Fox made her first journey to New Zealand in 1873, carrying migrants. She made several more voyages to New Zealand in 1875, 1878, and 1880, as sailing ships remained essential for long-distance travel in the South Pacific.
1885
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The End of Sailing Days - Conversion to a Refrigerated Ship
By 1885, the Edwin Fox’s sailing days were over. She was fitted with a freezing unit and began serving as a mobile freezer for the growing frozen meat trade, travelling between South Island abattoirs.
1897
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Arrival in Picton - The Edwin Fox Becomes Part of the Freezing Meat Trade
The Edwin Fox arrived in Picton in 1897, where she began freezing meat coming to the port by train from the Spring Creek abattoir. This marked a new chapter for the ship in supporting New Zealand's booming meat industry.
1900
Transition to Coal Hulk - Storing Fuel for Freezing Works
In 1900, the Edwin Fox’s freezing unit was removed and installed in a new freezing works in Picton. She was repurposed as a coal hulk, storing coal to fuel the freezing works.
1965
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The Move from Picton Harbour - The Beginning of Preservation Efforts
After 65 years of service in Picton Harbour, the Edwin Fox was no longer needed for the freezing works. The Edwin Fox Restoration Society was formed in 1965, aiming to restore the ship and find her a new home. However, due to local opposition, she was towed to Shakespeare Bay.
1986
A New Chapter - The Edwin Fox Returns to Picton Harbour
The Edwin Fox Restoration Society, with the support of Picton residents, successfully secured a berth for the ship in Picton Harbour in 1986. She was towed from Shakespeare Bay and returned to the town for preservation.
2023
A New Guardian - Marlborough District Council Takes Ownership of the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum
In 2023, the Marlborough District Council took ownership of the Edwin Fox and its adjacent Maritime Museum, ensuring the long-term preservation of this unique ship as a national treasure and a valuable piece of New Zealand's maritime history.
Chart Your Course Through Our Story
Deepen your connection with our legacy by exploring the following pages, where you can learn more about our team, access essential documents, and dive into our detailed history:
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