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.
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
Work weekend in 2011
Work weekend in 2012
Work weekend in 2012
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.
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
PRESS RELEASE
2026-03-18
Plans for the East Indiaman Götheborg take shape – new experience center proposed at Masthuggskajen
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.
An interactive experience center
The project includes an interactive experience center directly connected to the ship, where visitors will be able to explore:
the history of the East Indiaman Götheborg
Gothenburg’s role as a trading city
the importance of maritime activity – from the 18th century to today’s global trade and logistics
“The East Indiaman Götheborg is a symbol of Gothenburg’s origins as a city of trade and maritime heritage. With this project, we aim both to preserve history and to create something that inspires the future – a place where business, academia and the public can meet,”
says Stefan Björk, founder of Greencarrier and initiator of the project.
A new destination for the city
The proposed location at Masthuggskajen will make the ship more accessible and visible to both residents and international visitors.
In connection with the ship and the experience center, plans also include:
a restaurant
office spaces for businesses within maritime, trade and logistics
The project aligns with Gothenburg’s ambition to strengthen its position as an attractive destination and meeting place. The goal is to create a vibrant cultural and knowledge hub that contributes to the city’s development and reinforces its connection to the sea.
Timeline linked to the 2031 anniversary
The objective is for the experience center to be completed in time for the 300th anniversary of the Swedish East India Company in 2031.
The plans have been developed in collaboration with:
Rstudio (architects)
CoForma (project developer)
Ongoing dialogue is taking place with the City of Gothenburg, with Business Region Göteborg as a key partner.
“To realize the project on time, we need a decision during the spring. We hope that both citizens and policymakers see the opportunities this project would create for the city, tourism and business,”
says Stefan Björk.
A long-term investment
Greencarrier, owner of the Götheborg since 2021, plans to finance the experience center and continue to manage the ship’s operations and maintenance.
The vision is to create an iconic place and a living meeting point for future generations.
“The Götheborg belongs to the people of Gothenburg. Together with enthusiasts, companies and the city, an impossible project became reality when the ship was completed in 2003. Since then, it has had a strong international appeal. Now we want to complete the circle and give the Götheborg its natural home port in Gothenburg – making it accessible to all while preserving it for future generations,”
says Stefan Björk.
Current location
Until further notice, the ship remains at Eriksberg and is open to visitors during large parts of the year.
For more information
Anna Svensson
Head of Project Management, Greencarrier
📞 +46 76 529 73 21
✉ anna.svensson@greencarrier.com
Images: Vision images may be used freely in connection with publication.
Credit: R-Studio
About the East Indiaman Götheborg
The original East Indiaman Götheborg was one of the ships of the Swedish East India Company and completed three voyages to China between 1739 and 1745. On its return from the third voyage, the ship ran aground just outside Älvsborg Fortress and sank. Much of the cargo was salvaged, and the entire crew survived.
More than 250 years later, in the 1990s, diving expeditions began at the wreck site, and in 1995 construction started on a full-scale reconstruction of the ship, completed in 2003.
The replica has since sailed on several international voyages, including to China, Australia, Brazil and across Europe, serving as a platform for international relations and trade.
In 2023, Götheborg participated in Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary celebrations.
More information: gotheborg.se
About the Swedish East India Company (SOIC)
Founded in 1731, the Swedish East India Company became one of Sweden’s most successful trading enterprises. During the 18th century, it contributed significantly to the development of Gothenburg and to advances in trade, shipping, shipbuilding, science and infrastructure.
Today, Greencarrier revives the company by creating a modern trading platform where contemporary logistics meets historical maritime heritage.
More information: soic.se
About Greencarrier Group
Greencarrier Group is a Swedish family-owned company. Founded in Gothenburg in 2000, the group has grown into seven companies with more than 350 employees and operations in 15 countries.
The company provides global logistics and shipping solutions and is also the owner of the Swedish East India Company and the Götheborg.
More information: greencarrier.com
It's time once again for a Christmas Market on the pier by the ship!
For three days, December 5 – 7, from 11:00 to 17:00 – the area will be filled with festive scents, lights, and exhibitors offering unique handicrafts and Christmas gifts, from ceramics and textiles to jewelry and woodwork.
At the market, you'll find:
Exhibitors with unique Christmas gifts and crafts
Activities for children, both onboard and on the pier
A chance to explore the ship Götheborg
Hot food and drinks to warm you in the winter chill
Traditional glögg and other festive treats
Live performances by Götheborg’s own shanty choir
Bring your family, friends, and colleagues to kick off December with a truly maritime Christmas celebration!
Warm welcome!
Are you an exhibitor and want to book a table? Fill in this form: https://forms.gle/oXEmXNGNH9KpYRFb6
Would you like to perform or have another great idea that fits the event? Get in touch at bokning@gotheborg.se
