Smoke, fire and craftsmanship when putting iron rings on new yard
Last week, we carried out some exciting work on Götheborg. We’ve made two new yards for the ship, a main yard and a fore yard. One of the final steps is to put on iron rings, that are used to fixate the joints of the yard. The work is done in the historically correct way; the same way these large riggs were built in the 18th century.
The rings are precisely measured to fit the exact place on the yard where it’s supposed to go. They are heated to 800 degrees Celsius in an oven, carried over on hooks to the yard, then pushed and pounded into place, and shaped with big sledgehammers. This involves fire, smoke and a lot of work. Finally, the rings are cooled down with water, which shrinks them, and fixates the different parts of the yard.
This is a rare piece of craftsmanship, as it’s only done when building new yards, bowsprits and masts. Götheborg is one of very few ships in the world that use this technique.
Do you want to know more about how it’s done, and why, this is explained by our bosun Marie-Louise Edholm in this video clip on Instagram.
Or there is a shorter version on Facebook.
The East Indiaman will become part of a public experience center at Masthuggskajen.
Greencarrier and the City of Gothenburg have agreed on their ambition to create a long-term home for the East Indiaman at Masthuggskajen. The goal is for the ship to play a central role in a new historical experience center, planned for completion in 2031, and to help create a more vibrant waterfront promenade near Järntorget.