The Steam Tug Kerne is owned by the North Western Steamship Company Ltd and operated by The Steam Tug Kerne Preservation Society Limited. The Society was set up as a Charity in 2008 in order to promote the preservation and maintenance of this historic vessel and in so doing, provide a means of education into the development, operation and historic use of steam, particularly in maritime applications.
It is therefore the aim of the society to maintain the vessel in a working condition and available for public viewing around the waters of the North West of England.
When not attending a show, or out on a cruise, she can usually be found berthed at the Maritime Museum in Liverpool, The Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port and elsewhere on Mersey Waters.
In recognition of her increasing historical importance , Kerne is now part of the Historic Fleet as designated by National Historic Ships.
