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.
It's time once again for a Christmas Market on the pier by the ship!
For three days, December 5 – 7, from 10:00 to 16:00 – 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
On October 2nd, 2005, our ship set sail from Gothenburg towards China. Next week marks the 20th anniversary of that journey.
We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us, the Gothenburg Maritime Museum, and the Gothenburg City Museum, with exciting activities at each location.
Where: Ostindiefararen Götheborg (Pier 4, Eriksberg), Sjöfartsmuseet, Stadsmuseet
When: 3rd- 5th October, Friday–Sunday, 11:00–16:00
At the ship:
Knot school for kids
Interactive tour with memories from the voyage (for adults)
Open ship
Café & shop open
At the Maritime Museum:
Documentary screening: To China and Home Again ()
Saturday 4/10 art 14:00 Lecture by our bosun, Marie-Louise: The voyage and life on Götheborg
At the museums:
Throughout the weekend, both the Maritime Museum and the City Museum will host lectures about the history of the Swedish East India Company and life aboard the ships.
🔗 Read more here: Sjöfartmuseet & Stadsmuseet
Get your tickets now via the button below!
During this event we also accept museum-card (museikort).
Warm welcome!
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.
