Meet our Chief Engineer, Erik Palholmen
Updated: 26 October 2020
Name: Erik Palholmen
Position: Chief Engineer
Since 2019 I have been working full-time as a chief engineer. But I started working for SOIC already in 2013 and continued to join the ship during her expeditions as a first engineer and chief engineer until 2016.
Before 2013, I joined the ship once in 2005 from Gothenburg to Spain as a volunteer during the first legs of the China voyage. That was a really special experience!
One of the engineers got sick and they had a problem finding a reliever for him. A friend of mine talked to the crew manager and asked me to apply. And the rest is history! 😊
I am trying to get more volunteers. Fortunately, I already have a couple of them who are helping me. We also have sponsors who are helping us with maintaining some of the equipment as much as they can.
Yes absolutely! We receive volunteers every workday. They register themselves via our website. But before they can help me in the engine room with specific tasks, we need to get to know them and see what skills they bring. It is important to say, that for the engine room, I need volunteers with a specific background or skills, such as an engineer.
Volunteering is also a part of the recruitment process for next summer. It is important that our new crew knows the ship already before they sign-on!
My best memory was the departure from Gothenburg in 2005. We went out to the open sea and there were a lot of people gathering just to wave us off, boats who accompanied us on our way out. There were people everywhere. On the bridge, the quays. It was crazy! We were in the middle of the spectacle. It was so hard to understand that so many people just showed up for this event!
I must add that in general, it is also very impressive when we set sails. The moment when you shut the engine off and just feel the power of the wind, let it take over the propulsion.
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.