The Methods and Science Behind Preserving Historic Shipwrecks

The preservation of historical shipwrecks, such as the 15th-century Newport Medieval Ship discovered in Wales, requires a complex and decades-long archaeological effort. After being excavated in 2002, the vessel’s timbers underwent an intensive conservation process to prevent decay. This involved soaking the waterlogged wood in polyethylene glycol (PEG) and freeze-drying it to stabilize the structure. With the conservation phase now complete, efforts are underway to find a permanent museum to reassemble and display the historic vessel.

• The Newport Medieval Ship was discovered in 2002 during construction work in Newport, Wales.
• A public campaign successfully saved the 15th-century vessel from destruction, allowing archaeologists to dismantle it timber by timber.
• The preservation process involved soaking more than 2,000 wooden segments in polyethylene glycol (PEG) to replace water inside the wood cells.
• The timbers were freeze-dried at the Mary Rose Trust in Portsmouth using one of the world’s largest freeze dryers to prevent shrinkage and warping.
• Following the completion of the conservation phase, the ultimate goal is to find a suitable home to reassemble and exhibit the ship for public display.

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