Right now, we are in our home port in Gothenburg and working with maintenance as well as public events and open ship. Now as we are staying in port, we’re opening our doors to everyone who wants to take part, and we will be accepting volunteers on an ongoing basis right here in Gothenburg. Our goal is to create a welcoming community where everyone, regardless of age or experience, can learn, contribute, and meet new people.
Below, you will find general information about volunteering on board the Götheborg, and the instructions how to apply.
As a volunteer, you get the chance to pick up knowledge about traditional materials and learn craftsmanship on board. What is required to keep an 18th-century ship in good shape? What materials were used at that time, and what is used today? How is a lashing made? The tasks varied and can revolve around anything from taring ropes, scraping the hull, to working in the rigging. But also help in the galley (kitchen) and so on.
Volunteers are essential for the maintenance of the ship and keeping her in shape. Being a volunteer on board is an excellent way to get to know the ship and learn from others. The practical work gives you hands-on experience in a delightful kinship together with our permanent crew and other volunteers.
As a volunteer on board the Götheborg you work with maintenance while we are in port in Gothenburg. Unlike sailing along as a deckhand, you don’t pay to volunteer. The work as a volunteer is unpaid, but we offer lunch, not to forget, a great and friendly group of people to hang out with.
Photo: Linda Åkerberg/Wilderness Stories
Volunteering may involve working at heights. It is an opportunity to experience what it is like climbing and helping with the rigging.
Climbing the rig and working at heights is also a big part of the work done on board while sailing. It is common to initially feel a certain unease when working at such heights, but most people get used to it quickly.
(This applies to our events, not our regular volunteer weeks.)
Photo: Linda Åkerberg/Wilderness Stories
Photo: Linda Åkerberg/Wilderness Stories
We welcome volunteers continuously, depending on the capacity we have and the projects we have ongoing. Here is how to apply:
Greencarrier and the City of Gothenburg have agreed on their ambition to create a long-term home for the East Indiaman at Masthuggskajen. The goal is for the ship to play a central role in a new historical experience center, planned for completion in 2031, and to help create a more vibrant waterfront promenade near Järntorget.
During the evening we will be joined by Mats Berggren, who during the construction period represented the Swedish Maritime Administration as a determined and persistent inspector, and Marie-Louise Edholm, who took part in building the rigging, has sailed with the ship, and has been responsible for the maintenance of the rig. You will gain insight into traditional craftsmanship, material choices, and the many challenges involved in combining historical authenticity with modern safety and operational requirements. If you were involved during this period, perhaps you have a story of your own to share. We would love to hear it! About halfway through the lecture, coffee and pastries will be available for purchase. All proceeds will go directly toward the re-rigging of the ship. Registration is free of charge. Please register by emailing: vanner@gotheborg.se A warm welcome! The Friends of East Indiaman Götheborg Association
Following growing interest in the future of the East Indiaman Götheborg, Greencarrier now presents detailed plans for a new permanent quay location and an adjacent experience center at Masthuggskajen in Gothenburg. The ambition is to create a new destination in the city ahead of the 300th anniversary of the Swedish East India Company in 2031. The first vision images are now being presented.