Name Barge Number 9

BARGE NUMBER 9 was built in 1928 by N.V. Industriele Maatschappij De Noord of Alblasserdam, Netherlands. Not much is known of her early history, with only the knowledge that she was first registered in Rochester, Kent, followed by registrations in Bristol in 1935 and in Hull in 1949, with these signaling the installation of a new motor.

She is thought to have been initially used as a dredger on the Humber, and after that she went to Lowestoft to be part of the fishing fleet there. During World War 2, she became a refuelling tanker and was classed as an essential vessel. She then continued to be a refuelling tanker through to the 1980's, regularly refuelling Richard Branson's VIRGIN ATLANTIC CHALLENGER 2, which was built in Lowestoft. BARGE NUMBER 9 holds significance in the area, with the Lowestoft Maritime Museum owning a model of her in its inventory. 

BARGE NUMBER 9 was underwater for about 6 years in the 1990's before being refloated and converted into a houseboat on the Broads. Being a working vessel for most of her life, she was brought out of the water every two years for servicing and is in very good condition.

As of 2024, she has begun a new life as a community project for the town of Lowestoft to help those suffering with mental health and loneliness. She is being converted into a floating tea room and museum, with profits going to local charities and deprived families.