The East Indiaman Götheborg has for decades been a powerful story about Gothenburg’s role as a trading and maritime city. With the agreed permanent location—between Stena’s current Denmark terminal and the peninsula now being developed just outside Järntorget—this story of Gothenburg can continue to live on and be conveyed even more strongly.
Greencarrier plans to build an exciting destination combined with the company’s new headquarters and additional office spaces for lease. This solution creates the conditions to ensure the ship’s maintenance and accessibility over the long term, while its history, voyages, and significance for Gothenburg are presented to new generations of visitors in an engaging way.
– The East Indiaman Götheborg has played an important role in Gothenburg’s history, both through the original ship and now again in modern times. I am pleased that we are now finding a solution to preserve and make this invaluable part of our cultural heritage accessible to both Gothenburg residents and tourists, says Jonas Attenius, Chair of the City Executive Board.
Aiming to create an iconic destination
The ship has been owned and maintained by Greencarrier since 2021, with private funds being invested in the project. The destination will also be privately operated, and the initiative is long-term. The city intends to sell the land at market value.
The current timeline assumes that planning work will begin immediately and that Greencarrier will gain access to the land in 2028. Part of the land adjacent to the quay is currently used by Stena Line, which plans to relocate to Arendal. The companies are discussing a separate agreement.
– This agreement makes it possible to take the next step in giving the East Indiaman Götheborg a permanent home in Gothenburg. We want to create an iconic destination and a vibrant meeting place for future generations—and contribute to strengthening the city’s role as a trading and maritime hub, says Stefan Björk, owner of Greencarrier and the East Indiaman.
A strong historical narrative about Gothenburg
Analyses conducted within the project show that the planned experience center around the East Indiaman could generate significant tourism-related economic effects for Gothenburg. Estimates suggest up to SEK 300 million per year once the destination has become an established attraction after a few years.
The replica Götheborg embodies the immense importance of the Swedish East India Company for trade, industry, and the city’s overall development—particularly through donations that laid the foundation for institutions such as Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Chalmers University of Technology.
– We have worked with the East Indiaman since the idea of reconstructing the ship was first conceived and understand its great value to Gothenburg. Strengthening this historical narrative in the heart of the city will be a great benefit to business, tourism, and all Gothenburg residents. I cannot imagine a better permanent solution than the one we have now agreed upon, says Patrik Andersson, CEO of Business Region Gothenburg.
The memorandum of understanding between the city and Greencarrier means that the City of Gothenburg commits to contributing to the swift progress of all parts of the project. The declaration of intent is not legally binding but marks the starting point for the continued process.
The City of Gothenburg must make additional decisions before the project can become a reality. The next step is for Greencarrier to apply this spring for a new or amended detailed development plan.
About the East Indiaman Götheborg
The East Indiaman Götheborg was one of the Swedish East India Company’s trading ships and completed three voyages to China between 1739 and 1745. On its return journey from the third voyage, the ship ran aground just outside Älvsborg Fortress at the entrance to Gothenburg and was wrecked. A large part of the cargo was salvaged, and the entire crew survived.
250 years later, in the 1990s, diving operations began at the wreck site. In 1995, construction started on a full-scale reconstruction of the ship, which was completed in 2003. Since then, the replica has undertaken several long voyages—to China, Australia, Brazil, and around Europe—and has served as a platform for international relations and trade. In 2023, the ship participated in Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary celebrations, opening the festivities with a ceremonial salute.
About the Swedish East India Company (SOIC)
The Swedish East India Company was founded in 1731 and became one of Sweden’s most successful trading enterprises. During the 18th century, it contributed to Gothenburg’s development and to national progress in trade, shipping, shipbuilding, science, and infrastructure.
Today, Greencarrier is reviving the company and creating a new kind of trading enterprise, where modern commerce meets historical maritime and logistics traditions. Through ownership of SOIC and the historic ship Götheborg, a central part of Sweden’s maritime heritage is preserved and developed—while new opportunities are created for the future of global trade.
Contact:
Christian Borg, Press Manager, Business Region Gothenburg
Cecilia Jonebäck, Head of Communications, Greencarrier
Peter Wannding, Press Officer, Exploitation Administration, City of Gothenburg
Stefan Strömberg, Press Officer, Port of Gothenburg
