Photo: Street Studios
“ The Swedish East India Company and its ships played a central role in the development and history of the city of Gothenburg. It is therefore natural that our ship Götheborg joins in the celebrations of this anniversary. The ship Götheborg of Sweden is a symbol of the era that laid the foundation of what Gothenburg is today”, says the board of Rederi Götheborg in a statement. “We are therefore delighted to play an important role in the great celebrations.”
Last year, the ship Götheborg carried out a very successful expedition across Europe, visiting ports in Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Malta, Monaco, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom. More than 50,000 people visited the ship and had the opportunity to learn more about Swedish ship history, as well as improve their knowledge about the city of Gothenburg and Sweden. In addition, close to 500 people experienced what it is like sailing on an 18th century ship while sailing as deckhands between the various ports. Götheborg received extensive media coverage at all the different port stops.
A number of port stops will be made this year as well, on our way sailing from Barcelona to Gothenburg. Negotiations regarding which ports will be visited are currently underway.
After the celebration of Gothenburg's 400-year anniversary, the ship will undergo thorough inspection and maintenance. This year marks 20 years since Götheborg was launched and a thorough review of the ship's condition is necessary, as the ongoing maintenance has become more and more extensive. The best place for such work is Gothenburg.
A consequence of the longer standstill for Götheborg after arriving to Gothenburg, is that the number of employees at Rederi Götheborg AB will gradually be reduced due to lack of work.
