After serving as a minesweeper in the British and Australian Royal Navies and subsequently training hundreds of sailors in Cyprus, HMAS TEAL has been reborn as a Maritime Museum in Kyrenia New Harbour. The last surviving example of its class, HMS TEAL, is ready for its journey from August 1st, bringing together the maritime heritage of the Mediterranean with history and art.

Built in England for the British Navy and later serving for many years in the Royal Australian Navy, HMAS TEAL has completed its journey to Kyrenia New Harbour as a Maritime Museum. Opening to visitors on August 1st, the historic ship will showcase the maritime heritage of the Mediterranean and Cyprus under one roof, alongside historical collections and contemporary works of art.

Originally built in England as HMS JACTON, the ship later joined the Royal Australian Navy fleet and was renamed HMAS TEAL. Having served in numerous military operations throughout its years of service, this historic ship holds a special place in world maritime history as the last surviving example of the Ton-class minehunters and minesweepers developed by the British Royal Navy.

After completing its service with the navy in 1973, HMAS TEAL remained at sea. Serving in various roles as a diving support ship, passenger ship, and fishing vessel, it was brought to Cyprus in 1994. For many years, HMAS TEAL served as a training vessel for the Maritime Faculties of Near East University and Kyrenia University, contributing to the training of hundreds of captains and maritime professionals.

Maritime History Lives on This Ship!

The HMAS TEAL Maritime Museum, preparing to welcome visitors with its new identity in Kyrenia New Port, will present the thousands of years of maritime culture of the Mediterranean, the port history of Cyprus, trade routes, naval battles, fishing traditions, and the development of maritime technologies through its rich collections. Historical maps, documents, navigational devices, and authentic maritime objects will showcase the region’s relationship with the sea across different periods.

One of the museum’s standout features will be its ability to bring history and contemporary art together in the same space. The ship’s bridge, living quarters, engine room, and decks have been transformed into special exhibition areas for contemporary maritime-themed art works. Thus, visitors will not only tour a historic ship but also have the opportunity to experience the cultural memory of the Mediterranean through the universal language of art.

HMAS TEAL, which once served to open safe routes on the seas, continues its life today as a symbol of new routes leading to knowledge, culture, and history. Its journey from warship to training ship, and then to Maritime Museum, transforms it not only into a preserved historical artifact but also into a living cultural heritage.