Hawai‘i Moves to Remove Historic Falls of Clyde Sailing Ship Amid Sinking Risks

After eight years of grappling with the fate of the 145-year-old sailing ship Falls of Clyde, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has finally released a request for proposals (RFP) for its removal. The state has raised concerns about the vessel’s compromised condition, with a 2023 report warning of a high risk of sinking by 2024. The report recommended deregistering the ship as a National Historical Landmark and selling it for disposal, citing its irreversible loss as a tragic outcome for a unique sailing craft with significant historic value.

Currently berthed at Pier 7 in Honolulu, the Falls of Clyde was once a museum ship at the Hawaii Maritime Center. Despite being privately owned, the vessel was impounded in 2016 and remains under the custody of HDOT. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to sell the ship, including a plan to return it to Scotland. With the pier dormant for 14 years and no viable plans for the vessel, the state has determined that removal is the only viable option after completing necessary environmental reviews.

Built in Glasgow, Scotland in 1878, the Falls of Clyde has a strong association with Hawaii, having been acquired by Captain William Matson of the Matson Navigation Company in 1898. The ship made numerous voyages between Hawaii and San Francisco, carrying passengers, sugar, and cargo. Despite being repurposed for liquid bulk transportation, efforts at preservation began in the 1960s, leading to its restoration and public opening in the 1970s. HDOT’s Final Environmental Assessment outlines options for removal, with the selected contractor set to determine the method by September 25.

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