Saniflo enables effective conversion of historic Sula Lightship into luxury accommodation

Saniflo has played a crucial role in converting the historic Sula Lightship into a unique, high-standard accommodation facility, recently awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ distinction in the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards’ Unique Stay of the Year category.

This project demonstrates Saniflo’s effectiveness in supporting non-traditional properties where reliable waste management solutions are essential.

Constructed in the 1950s, the Sula Lightship was a navigation aid in the Humber Estuary for decades before being repurposed as a museum and therapy centre. Today, the extensively refurbished vessel provides a home to owners Colin and Viv Brooks and a luxury two-bedroom apartment to their guests in the Gloucester Docks, supported by Saniflo technology. 

Specification

Working with Pumpmaster and Lee Sanitation, Saniflo supplied a range of macerators and pumps to manage on-board black and grey water waste, including a Sanimarin WC, explicitly designed for marine applications, and a long-standing Sanishower unit to discharge grey water waste into former freshwater tanks repurposed as storage.

These systems provided the necessary capacity and durability for high-usage scenarios on the vessel. The two Saniflo units in the owner’s living quarters were replaced during the conversion following the recommendation from the Saniflo agent, Pumpmaster, for long-term economic reasons as they were both over 10 years old and had had heavy use.

The Sanimarin WC was specified for the new bathroom because it provided sufficient power to pump through a range of pipes in the chain room below right along to the tanks at the vessel’s stern. The shower was plumbed into the existing Sanishower unit, installed over 15 years ago when the vessel was a therapy centre. It has worked perfectly for over 15 years with minimal maintenance and zero problems.

Colin Brooks comments: “Saniflo’s technology enabled us to install modern, reliable sanitation on board, ensuring long-term operational efficiency. These units have performed consistently, requiring minimal maintenance. Fully working showers and flushable WCs would not have been possible without the macerators and pumps.”

The refurbishment also preserved original maritime features, making the lightship a notable asset both within the docks and as part of the UK’s maritime history.

The Sula Lightship has become a valued accommodation offering within Gloucester Docks, attracting steady bookings. Saniflo’s solutions have facilitated this transition, ensuring reliable infrastructure that aligns with the demands of high-standard guest accommodation.