Forty weekends of volunteering on board Götheborg

What started with a somewhat grumpy car ride in 2001, resulted in twenty years of passionate interest in the ship Götheborg. Recently, Inga Blomstrand and Leif Bäckman, joined their 40th weekend of volunteering at the ship.

Forty weekends of volunteering on board Götheborg

The 40th work weekend was celebrated with two cakes, books from the gift shop and some work on gun deck on board. 

 

It was Inga’s idea to first visit the ship. As Leif had built a boat before, she thought that he would be interested in seeing the building project. Leif thought differently, and that it was way too far to drive the 300 kms to Gothenburg from their homes in Örebro, just to look at a ship being built.

“On the way home, all we talked about was the ship”, says Inga and laughs.

More than sixty times on board

Since that first time they’ve been on board another sixty times, and even visited the ship in Guangzhou (Canton) in 2006. After all the hours spent on Götheborg, they have seen every little nook and cranny of the boat, and they feel very at home on board.

 “It’s the incredible craftsmanship that we love about Götheborg; the original materials and that all is being hand crafted”, says Leif. “We absolutely love being on board and volunteering. We really enjoy meeting all the people around the ship and the other volunteers. The atmosphere is always very good.”

Many types of tasks

They’ve had all kinds of jobs during the forty work weekends they’ve been on board – from the first weekend when they were doing inventorying in the gun room, two decks down in the aft of the ship (and first couldn’t find it), to measuring blocks, putting together yards or tightening the standing rigging. Leif has also done work up in the rigging in previous years, but nowadays they both stay down on deck.

The new adventures

Leif has sailed with the ship twice, Inga once – but it’s being on board and working on the ship that they both enjoy the most. They won’t sail on the ship as she heads out towards Asia in 2022, but they will follow her voyage closely.

“We are really happy to see Götheborg sail again, as she is meant to, and we will follow her adventures.”

Sailing to Stockholm in 2008
Sailing to Stockholm in 2008
Work weekend in 2011
Work weekend in 2011
Work weekend in 2012
Work weekend in 2012
Work weekend in 2012
Work weekend in 2012
Work weekend in 2013
Work weekend in 2013

Favourite memory

Inga: There are so many memories, but the very best is probably the launch of the ship in June 2003. That was a very emotional occasion, I actually cried. We weren’t even sure she would float.

Leif: When the ship returned to Gothenburg in 2007. Inga had organised so that we were on a boat that went out to meet the ship. That is a great memory.

Favourite spot on board

Inga: The gun room, because that was the first place we worked while volunteering. And because it’s such a special place with the moving tiller and the tiller rope made out of moose hide.

Leif: For me it’s the workshop on the pier. On board, as I have an interested in technology, I think the engine room is most interesting.

Strategic partnership between Greencarrier and Chalmers to advance sustainable maritime research

21 August 2025

Greencarrier Group and Chalmers University of Technology are entering a strategic partnership to accelerate sustainable development in the maritime industry. For three years Greencarrier will support world-leading research and education in maritime environmental science, led by Chalmers Professor Ida-Maja Hassellöv, a global expert in the field. he partnership combines Chalmers’ academic excellence with Greencarrier’s industry knowledge to tackle urgent environmental challenges and support the shift to more responsible and resilient maritime practices. It also reinforces Chalmers’ recently launched overarching research area, Ocean, that brings together all marine and maritime research and education under one umbrella. Over the past decades, Chalmers has made significant contributions to national, EU, and international environmental policy, including within the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Long-term commitment to ocean health Greencarrier’s funding will enable long-term, socially relevant research and help train future experts in the field. The initiative is also aligned with Greencarrier’s Blue Initiative – a key part of the company’s 2027 strategy – which supports projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of shipping. “By investing in innovative projects and strategic partnerships, we aim to drive meaningful change. At Greencarrier, we believe in the power of collaboration – together, we can achieve more. We are proud to support Professor Hassellöv in her vital work, both as a scientist and as a valuable partner helping us better understand the ocean and our industry’s impact on it. Her previous research has had a significant influence, shaping policies and driving change within the maritime sector,” says Josefine Widegren, Owner and Board Member, Greencarrier Group Driving science-based change The all-embracing goal of this joint effort is to strengthen Chalmers’ role as a broad-based resource in the transition toward sustainable shipping. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, the collaboration will help translate scientific knowledge into practical change. Professor Hassellöv will lead both research and doctoral education focused on the environmental impact of shipping on marine ecosystems. One of the key research areas will be improving marine risk assessments by incorporating the environmental effects of shipping, including those from shipping lanes – an area where current knowledge is limited. “I am very pleased that the research field I am dedicated to and passionate about is being given strong and long-term support through Greencarrier’s funding. This contribution will enhance scientific knowledge and, ultimately, support the health of our marine environment,” says Professor Ida-Maja Hassellöv, Chalmers University of Technology. “Greencarrier’s commitment to the marine environment is truly welcome. Our experience shows that when industry and academia work closely together, we can solve complex challenges. We look forward to more research-based development that contributes to sustainable shipping,” says Martin Nilsson Jacobi, President and CEO of Chalmers University of Technology. The strategic partnership will help translate scientific findings into industry practice and raise awareness through active knowledge sharing. Background: A shared maritime legacy Greencarrier Group and Chalmers share historical ties to Svenska Ostindiska Companiet (SOIC), the Swedish East India Company. Founded in 1731, SOIC became one of Sweden’s most successful trading ventures, helping drive national progress in shipbuilding, science, and infrastructure. The company’s global knowledge exchange laid the foundation for institutions like Chalmers. Today, Greencarrier owns Svenska Ostindiska Companiet (SOIC) and the historic ship Götheborg, a symbol of Sweden’s maritime legacy. In recognition of their shared roots and ongoing collaboration, Chalmers will serve as an honorary partner to the ship Götheborg in 2025. This shared heritage adds cultural depth to the new partnership, linking history with modern innovation and collaboration.

Ostindiefararen's Oktoberfest

15 August 2025

Welcome to a unique autumn celebration on the pier with Ostindiefararen Götheborg! On 20 September, we invite you to our Oktoberfestival with everything you’d expect: delicious food, great drinks, communal singing, and live music to keep the warmth going even if the autumn evening is crisp. During the evening, you’ll also have the chance to board the ship and experience its unique atmosphere up close – a perfect opportunity to feel the presence of history while enjoying the festive mood. 🎶 Live music 🍽 Food & drinks ⚓ Boarding and guided tours Bring your friends, colleagues, or family and celebrate autumn with us in a way you’ll never forget! Tickets: use the button below Price: 150 SEK – includes entry to both the pier and the ship, valid all day. Food and drinks are available within the festival area. For group bookings, email: bokning@gotheborg.se

Ostindiefararen’s Auction Day – September 12, 10:00–16:00

13 August 2025

The East Indiaman Götheborg invites you to a day on board, in collaboration with AntikWest, in support of cultural heritage and the preservation of the ship’s history. This day is dedicated to the memory of the original Götheborg’s shipwreck – on 12 September 1745, when the vessel ran aground just outside Gothenburg after a long journey from China. The pier to the East Indiaman will open at 10:00, and throughout the day there will be free admission to both the Antiques Day and the ship. AntikWest, founded by Björn Gremner in 1971, is one of Gothenburg’s most renowned antique dealers specializing in Chinese porcelain. Many fascinating objects connected to the voyages of the Swedish East India Company in the 18th century, as well as treasures from the East Indiaman Götheborg, will be on display during the day. Don’t miss 12 September, when you can meet Björn Gremner, one of the foremost experts on Chinese porcelain from the Swedish TV show Antikrundan. Bring your own items for appraisal and listen to his exciting stories about the history of porcelain. Welcome to be inspired and perhaps discover your next unique collector’s item! There will also be a book signing and lecture with author Lars-Olof Lööf and his book Sjöfarare och Superkargörer (Seafarers and Supercargoes), an extensive account of the sailors of the SOIC. The day concludes with a unique charity auction, where items related to the East Indiaman Götheborg and the Swedish East India Company will be auctioned off under the leadership of Björn Gremner. 🎟 Collect your free ticket on the East Indiaman Götheborg’s website. (All proceeds will go directly to the East Indiaman Götheborg for the preservation and development of the ship.) Program 10:00 – 12:00 Start: Appraisals on the pier with Björn Gremner (bring up to 5 items per person) 12:00 – 13:00 Lecture and book signing with Lars-Olof Lööf: The Journey of Porcelain and East India Stories 14:00 Auction – led by Björn Gremner All day: 10:00 – 16:00 Free admission to the East Indiaman Götheborg with online ticket 10:00 – 16:00 Café & shop open We look forward to a day filled with history, treasures, and exciting encounters! Welcome to an unforgettable day on the pier! More info: https://antikwest.se/ https://larsolofloof.wordpress.com/