She is the largest operational historic steamship in Europe[2] and one of the last reciprocating steam engined ships built, using technology that dated back to the last quarter of the 19th century and which was obsolete at the time of her construction.

These steamships had a tradition, dating back to the First World War, of taking organised parties of passengers on their trips during the summer.

She entered service in October 1955 and was operated by Glasgow Corporation to transport treated sewage sludge down the Clyde to be dumped at sea.

[6] As early as 25 July 1985, discussions opened between Southern Water, The City Council, Associated British Ports and Southampton University Industrial Archeological Society to preserve the Steamship Shieldhall.

Then on 28 July 1988, Shieldhall was handed over to the preservation society, now named The Solent Steam Packet Limited, which operates as a charity.

[7] Shieldhall originally was berthed in Ocean Village, plans were underway at the time for there to be a maritime heritage centre, in which she would be an active working museum.

In July 2005, Shieldhall made a return visit to the Clyde, taking part in the River Festival in Glasgow, and berthing at Custom House Quay, Greenock.

A £1.4 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) was announced, in April 2013, for essential hull works to meet modern regulations, improved passenger facilities and interpretation.

[15] Shieldhall has made many television appearances, including in Casualty, Lovejoy, Fred Dibnah's Age of Steam, and Coltrane's Planes and Automobiles.