The replica, built by specialist manufacturer Aivaf Ltd on behalf of Inverclyde Council, is now being prepared for delivery and assembly in Port Glasgow.
Sections of the new replica are expected to be delivered from Tuesday, May 26, and assembled over the next few weeks to be ready in time for the Comet Festival on Saturday, June 20.
(Image: Inverclyde Council)
Councillor Chris Curley, chair of the Port Glasgow Town Centre Regeneration Forum and Comet Replica Sub-Group, said: “It’s exciting after years of planning and development by the council and local community to see the new Comet replica being built.
“The replica will commemorate and celebrate the contribution PS Comet made to Port Glasgow and beyond and also serve as a symbol of the achievements of the people of Port Glasgow who built the famous ship and of our proud shipbuilding heritage.”
The previous Comet replica, constructed in the 1960s, was dismantled in 2023 after being deemed beyond repair.
The new model will stand in the same central location and is expected to be in place in time for the festival.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “This is another milestone moment in the ongoing modernisation of Port Glasgow, including the town centre.
(Image: Inverclyde Council)
“The previous Comet replicas have served as a reminder and celebration of Port Glasgow’s industrial achievements, and the new one will continue to be a nod to our shipbuilding heritage but also serve as a symbol of the town’s endurance and ongoing transformation.”
The updated replica will feature several improvements, including a hull coloured to reflect the copper bottom of the original PS Comet, which was built in Port Glasgow in 1812 and became Europe’s first commercially successful passenger steamboat.
The replica will also be repositioned to increase visibility and will be suspended to give the appearance of floating.
Additional site improvements will include new fencing, interpretation boards, and potentially upgraded lighting.
The new Comet is being constructed from 316 stainless steel and clad in Accoyo, a modified timber that is rot-resistant.
(Image: Inverclyde Council)
Aivaf’s Bruce Davies said: “This has been a very exciting and challenging project for us, having seen the issues that the previous replica suffered from and the huge expectations of the local people.
“We have approached this in a completely different way than the previous example as this is not required to be seaworthy.
“We are looking forward to completing the project and delivering this iconic piece into its original spot in the heart of Port Glasgow.”
A launch event to officially welcome the new Comet replica is being planned for immediately before the start of the Comet Festival on Saturday, June 20.