This weekend will be our last in Barcelona. Monday 20 March at 10:00 we head out after nearly five months in this beautiful city. We want to thank the city and citizens of Barcelona for a great winter stopover. As this is the last chance to visit the ship in Barcelona, don't miss out! We're open Saturday and Sunday, and the ship will have full crew and of course look her best.
Photo: Victor Soler, volunteer on board during the winter stopover
We arrived in Barcelona 27 October 2022, and were greeted in the best possible way, with great interest and thousands of visitors. We've then had nearly five amazing months in Barcelona. During our winter stopover we've been open to visitors most weekends, but our main focus has been on maintenance.
Last chance to visit the ship in Barcelona
The coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday 18–19 March, is the last chance to visit the ship before we leave on the European Tour 2023. We've opened up more time slots than previous weekends, there is a full crew and the ship will look her absolute best. Book your tickets now to save your space.
Opening hours: 18 March 14:00–18:00 (last entry at 17:15) 19 March 14:00–18:00 (last entry at 17:15)
Main focus on maintenance
We've done inspection and maintenance of the rig and a lot of work with caulking and pitching of the hull. The work on the rig has focused around the bowsprit and foremast rig; both the stays and gammonings, and a very time consuming job was taking down and replacing wood on the mizzen platform. In order to take down the mizzen platform, both top mast and yards need to be taken down first, which means that it is a very big job.
Thank you to the Maritime Museum of Barcelona
Another big task for the winter stopover has been sail maintenance. This has been done in a space provided by the Maritime Museum of Barcelona (MMB), where we have also been part of their exhibition during the winter. We want to direct a big thank you to the Maritime Museum of Barcelona for a great collaboration.
Thank you to all the volunteers
We also want to direct a big thank you to all the volunteers that have been on board during the winter. It's been a pleasure having you on board and we hope you enjoyed your time as much as we did! Nest chance to volunteer is in Gothenburg.
Next stopover: Sète
After leaving Barcelona, our next stopover is Sète in the south of France, where we will come on the invitation of Escale à Sète. We are looking forward to a great stopover!
Sète 23–27 March Arrival in Sète 23 March 14:00. Gun salute at 13:30.
Opening hours: 24 March 10:00–14:00 (last entry 13:15) 25 March 10:00–20:00 (last entry 19:15) 26 March 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:15) 27 March 12:00–15:00 (last entry 14:00)
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
PRESS RELEASE
2026-03-18
Plans for the East Indiaman Götheborg take shape – new experience center proposed at Masthuggskajen
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.
An interactive experience center
The project includes an interactive experience center directly connected to the ship, where visitors will be able to explore:
the history of the East Indiaman Götheborg
Gothenburg’s role as a trading city
the importance of maritime activity – from the 18th century to today’s global trade and logistics
“The East Indiaman Götheborg is a symbol of Gothenburg’s origins as a city of trade and maritime heritage. With this project, we aim both to preserve history and to create something that inspires the future – a place where business, academia and the public can meet,”
says Stefan Björk, founder of Greencarrier and initiator of the project.
A new destination for the city
The proposed location at Masthuggskajen will make the ship more accessible and visible to both residents and international visitors.
In connection with the ship and the experience center, plans also include:
a restaurant
office spaces for businesses within maritime, trade and logistics
The project aligns with Gothenburg’s ambition to strengthen its position as an attractive destination and meeting place. The goal is to create a vibrant cultural and knowledge hub that contributes to the city’s development and reinforces its connection to the sea.
Timeline linked to the 2031 anniversary
The objective is for the experience center to be completed in time for the 300th anniversary of the Swedish East India Company in 2031.
The plans have been developed in collaboration with:
Rstudio (architects)
CoForma (project developer)
Ongoing dialogue is taking place with the City of Gothenburg, with Business Region Göteborg as a key partner.
“To realize the project on time, we need a decision during the spring. We hope that both citizens and policymakers see the opportunities this project would create for the city, tourism and business,”
says Stefan Björk.
A long-term investment
Greencarrier, owner of the Götheborg since 2021, plans to finance the experience center and continue to manage the ship’s operations and maintenance.
The vision is to create an iconic place and a living meeting point for future generations.
“The Götheborg belongs to the people of Gothenburg. Together with enthusiasts, companies and the city, an impossible project became reality when the ship was completed in 2003. Since then, it has had a strong international appeal. Now we want to complete the circle and give the Götheborg its natural home port in Gothenburg – making it accessible to all while preserving it for future generations,”
says Stefan Björk.
Current location
Until further notice, the ship remains at Eriksberg and is open to visitors during large parts of the year.
For more information
Anna Svensson
Head of Project Management, Greencarrier
📞 +46 76 529 73 21
✉ anna.svensson@greencarrier.com
Images: Vision images may be used freely in connection with publication.
Credit: R-Studio
About the East Indiaman Götheborg
The original East Indiaman Götheborg was one of the ships of the Swedish East India Company and completed three voyages to China between 1739 and 1745. On its return from the third voyage, the ship ran aground just outside Älvsborg Fortress and sank. Much of the cargo was salvaged, and the entire crew survived.
More than 250 years later, in the 1990s, diving expeditions began at the wreck site, and in 1995 construction started on a full-scale reconstruction of the ship, completed in 2003.
The replica has since sailed on several international voyages, including to China, Australia, Brazil and across Europe, serving as a platform for international relations and trade.
In 2023, Götheborg participated in Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary celebrations.
More information: gotheborg.se
About the Swedish East India Company (SOIC)
Founded in 1731, the Swedish East India Company became one of Sweden’s most successful trading enterprises. During the 18th century, it contributed significantly to the development of Gothenburg and to advances in trade, shipping, shipbuilding, science and infrastructure.
Today, Greencarrier revives the company by creating a modern trading platform where contemporary logistics meets historical maritime heritage.
More information: soic.se
About Greencarrier Group
Greencarrier Group is a Swedish family-owned company. Founded in Gothenburg in 2000, the group has grown into seven companies with more than 350 employees and operations in 15 countries.
The company provides global logistics and shipping solutions and is also the owner of the Swedish East India Company and the Götheborg.
More information: greencarrier.com
It's time once again for a Christmas Market on the pier by the ship!
For three days, December 5 – 7, from 11:00 to 17:00 – the area will be filled with festive scents, lights, and exhibitors offering unique handicrafts and Christmas gifts, from ceramics and textiles to jewelry and woodwork.
At the market, you'll find:
Exhibitors with unique Christmas gifts and crafts
Activities for children, both onboard and on the pier
A chance to explore the ship Götheborg
Hot food and drinks to warm you in the winter chill
Traditional glögg and other festive treats
Live performances by Götheborg’s own shanty choir
Bring your family, friends, and colleagues to kick off December with a truly maritime Christmas celebration!
Warm welcome!
Are you an exhibitor and want to book a table? Fill in this form: https://forms.gle/oXEmXNGNH9KpYRFb6
Would you like to perform or have another great idea that fits the event? Get in touch at bokning@gotheborg.se
