Permanent home still unknown for Alma Doepel

As the Alma Doepel restoration team works towards sailing again by the end of 2026, uncertainty remains as to whether the tallship will have a permanent home in Docklands.

In June, the team celebrated a significant milestone when the historic tallship’s three 18-metre masts were erected.

Following the six-hour process on June 5, the ship’s restoration director Dr Peter Harris told Docklands News that the team was working towards sailing again and launching its youth training programs by early December 2026.

Dr Harris said that while the team would now embark on “quite a lot of rigging work”, it was also working to a “comprehensive schedule” to finish the ship’s engine room.

But with well over two years until its forecasted completion, the timber vessel’s future in Docklands remains uncertain as it awaits further information from Development Victoria (DV).

The Alma is currently based at its temporary home at Shed 2 at North Wharf through an arrangement with DV and developer Lendlease, which holds the development rights to the precinct.

Lendlease received planning approval from the state government in 2020 for the next stage of its redevelopment at Collins Wharf, which is currently under construction.

DV’s Group Head Precincts Niall Cunningham told Docklands News that it recognised Docklands’ maritime heritage and had worked with Lendlease and the City of Melbourne to “accommodate ... for as long as possible”.

“The progress of development along North Wharf in Docklands is an exciting step in the delivery of more homes for Victorians in a growing precinct on the doorstep of our CBD,” Mr Cunningham said.

We recognise Docklands’ maritime heritage and have worked with Lendlease and the City of Melbourne to accommodate maritime-based organisations and businesses at North Wharf for as long as possible ahead of development.

“We will continue to keep the community, particularly those groups operating out of Shed 2, informed of development progress. We also will work with City of Melbourne to explore what opportunities may exist to continue to support maritime based organisations and activities at Docklands in the longer term.”

Previous plans for Victoria Harbour have proposed that Docklands’ “heritage fleet”, which includes the Alma, Enterprize and steam tug Wattle, be permanently moored at the northern side of Central Pier.

However, with Central Pier’s future also unknown, this proposal remains firmly on the shelf, while no other plans for the Alma Doepel or the heritage fleet have since been released.

The Port of Melbourne’s long-mooted proposal for a freight bridge in front of the Bolte Bridge linking Swanson and Webb Docks also threatens the Alma’s future in Docklands, but no formal plans have yet been announced. •