The tender vessel, which was used to ferry first and second class passengers to the Titanic, was open to the public for six months after returning to Northern Ireland at Easter last year.

The vessel was then closed to the public for renovation work.

However yesterday it was revealed that high demand from tourists have resulted in a new special opening arrangement.

A joint initiative between Nomadic Charitable Trust and Titanic Tours Belfast has resulted in special access to facilitate tours until the vessel can be opened on a more regular basis.

For a small surcharge, which will be donated to Nomadic's restoration fund, guests of Titanic Tours Belfast will be given the opportunity to board Nomadic as part of their overall Titanic themed tour.

The new access arrangement will not impact on the progress of the restoration but will help maintain interest in the project, said chairman of Nomadic Charitable Trust, Denis Rooney.

"Even though it's on a limited basis, it gives tourists, especially those who may not be back in Belfast for some time, the opportunity to witness this important part of the Titanic story first hand," he said. "From a tourism perspective, it will also help retain interest in Nomadic until she can reopen permanently."

The Nomadic tours will be conducted in very small numbers to ensure that work onboard is in no way disrupted.

The guide will be Susie Millar, the great-granddaughter of a Titanic crew member who helped build the ship and died on its maiden voyage.

Ms Millar said: "I'm extremely pleased to be given this exclusive access to Nomadic during its restoration.

"Nomadic is at the heart of the Titanic story and a must see for anyone interested in Belfast's shipbuilding history."

For more information, visit www.titanictours-belfast.co.uk or call 078 5271 6655