Götheborg of Sweden will play an important role in the celebration of the city of Gothenburg’s 400-year anniversary in June 2023. The ship, currently moored in Barcelona, will therefore head for Gothenburg at the end of March/beginning of April.
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.
Greencarrier och Göteborgs Stad är överens om att vilja skapa en långsiktig hemvist för Ostindiefararen vid Masthuggskajen. Målet är att fartyget ska spela huvudrollen i ett nytt historiskt upplevelsecentrum som ska stå klart 2031, och bidra till ett mer levande kajstråk nära 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.