HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The historic Falls of Clyde is one step closer to being removed from Honolulu Harbor. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The dilapidated 146-year-old vessel has been dry docked at the Harbor for years, but a contract has been awarded to get it out. The State Department of Transportation awarded a $6.5 million contract to a mainland marine engineering company to finally remove the Falls of Clyde from the Harbor. "It was on both the National Historic Landmark Registry and in the National Registry of Historic Places, both institutions have now de-listed it," said Hawaii Pacific University history professor Dr. Douglas Askman. Historic Falls of Clyde may be removed from Honolulu Harbor The vessel was purchased by William Matson in the late 19th century and mainly was used to bring goods and people back and forth between Hawaii and California. It was sold and then converted to an oil tanker in 1907 before repeatedly changing hands until it was brought back to Honolulu in 1963 as a floating museum next to the Hawaii Maritime Center. "She became an important part of the community. Students came over to the museum," said Friends of Falls of Clyde president Bruce McEwan. "Hosting events, there were birthdays, anniversaries, marriages even aboard the ship." The DOT impounded the vessel in 2016 after decades of corrosion and announced it was seeking bids for its removal in mid-2024. "It's had several, I guess, near misses with destruction, but it seems like this might be its last its last stand, so to speak," Dr. Askman said. State receives six bids for Falls of Clyde removal from Honolulu Harbor The Friends of Falls of Clyde took ownership of the vessel in 2008 but were unsuccessful in several fundraising efforts to repair it. There are still some artifacts like the ship's wheel and nameboard that they would like to see preserved -- their president says they need clearance from the State to go out and get them. "Yeah, they do. And they, well, they're on notice that we will and they even know when and how," McEwan said. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Details over the multi-million dollar contract have yet to be ironed out, the DOT did not confirm whether the vessel will be cut into pieces or sunk and when the work is scheduled to begin.