Final farewell to QE2’s distinctive red funnel?

10:40am Friday 5th September 2008

By Keith Hamilton

IT IS one of Britain’s greatest icons but the unique funnel that crowns Southampton’s legendary liner, Queen Elizabeth 2, could be ripped off after the ship leaves her home port for the last time later this year.

Instantly recognisable, QE2 and her funnel, is an enduring symbol representing the pinnacle of British maritime tradition and has become closely linked to the port of Southampton over the past 40 years.

QE2 has been sold for £50million to a Middle Eastern development company which will transform the Cunarder into a floating hotel at the centre of Dubai.

Fears are growing among shipping experts and former passengers that QE2, regarded by many as the last remaining true ocean-going liner, will be altered to such an extent that her style and classic lines will be lost forever.

This also comes amid disappointment that QE2 will arrive and depart on her last day in her home, shrouded in darkness.

QE2 will leave the port on November 11 when the liner will fly the longest paying-off pennant ever by a Cunard liner.

Once moored at her new berth in Dubai, QE2’s new owners are expecting to spend millions on refurbishing the liner and changing the lay-out, turning it into a hotel, tourist destination and shopping complex.

The new owners are examining schemes for QE2 including removing the funnel and repositioning it on the quayside where it would be converted into a reception and information centre.

Plans also exist to remove the liner’s engines and create a new glass-fronted mock funnel that would be seven decks high and contain ten luxury suites.

John Lillywhite, chairman of the Southampton branch of the World Ship Society, said: “We have also heard that it is likely all the ship’s davits and lifeboats are to go.

“The timings of QE2’s arrival and departure are a great disappointment there will be many people upset at not being able to see her properly in the daylight.’’ Mick Lindsay, Southampton maritime historian, said: “If plans such as these become a reality it would be absolutely horrendous as the QE2 everyone knows and loves would be lost for good.

“It seems Dubai does not care for the ship herself and all that she represents but rather they are only interested in laying claim to one of the most famous names in the world.’’ QE2’s casino is set to be gutted as gambling is against the law in the Gulf emirate, and question marks hang over the future of the liner’s synagogue, which is not likely to be used in the Arab kingdom.

Istithmar, the investment arm of Dubai World, a wholly-owned company of the government of Dubai, which purchased QE2, would not confirm details of its plans but said the whole project could take up to 18 months.

According to the present schedule QE2 will arrive alongside her traditional berth in Southampton’s Eastern Docks at 7am in the November gloom before leaving, more than 12 hours later, in the dark.

Cunard is to stage a farewell firework display before the liner says goodbye to Southampton with three blasts of her whistle.

A Cunard spokesman said: “We have delayed QE2’s departure time of around 5pm until 7.15pm so as people can be home from work and families will be able to gather at Mayflower Park, and along Southampton’s waterfront to see the fireworks.”