"Pride of the Tyne" was built by Swan Hunter in nearby Wallsend and entered service in 1993. It was a modified version of the "Shieldsman" and cost £1.5 million. The vessel also has a bar, 'The Admirals Locker', that is available on private hire trips. The vessel was the first river ferry to incorporate all of the new safety features introduced after the Marchioness disaster in 1989.