Replica sailing ship embarks on 18-month voyage
The replica of a ship that sank in 1745 has embarked on a historic voyage through Europe and Asia.
The world’s largest ocean-going wooden sailing ship will have the latest satellite communications technology to help streamline its operations along the way.
The Götheborg of Sweden is a 1-1 replica of an 18th century Swedish East India Company ship that sank in 1745.
She was the most advanced merchant sailing ship of the time, and ‘a symbol of Sweden’s entrepreneurial spirit’, according to the owner.
The new 47m x 11m vessel has been built without the help of any original drawings, and was finished in 2005 after many years.
The keel was laid in June 1995 after several years of preparation, and in total, 4,000m3 of oak and pinewood was used on the hull. She has 26 sails that make a total area of almost 2,000m2, including the main top sail at almost 250m2. In total there are nine square rigs, totalling 1,300m2.
The vessel is fitted with adjustable propellers and two 404kW engines, supplied by two 180kW generators alongside an emergency generator. The engine room also has pumps, a boiler, bilgewater separator and air compressor.
The fuel room is in the aftmost tank room and has a 36,000 litre capacity, which would last just under two days.
Satellite technology
Norwegian firm NSSLGlobal will install its communications network to the vessel to allow crew to check its daily position and weather outlook as well as all the other features of modern digital technology, such as monitoring critical systems like temperature, pressure, fuel and water levels.
Broadband communications will be enabled with NSSLGlobal’s VSAT IP@SEA system, with a network operations centre providing remote technical support.
“Although the Götheborg resembles a vessel from the 1700s, it’s essential we have the latest vessel communications technology on board to ensure the safety of our professional crew,” said Lars Ringnér, Ship Director of SOIC Ship Management, the ship’s owner.
“Spanning over 300 years of technological development, the ship is a fascinating hybrid of historic and modern, with its traditional wind-powered sails alongside the very latest IT and satcoms innovations, enabling remote diagnostics, technical support and communications.”
Kristian Ryberg, General Manager, NSSLGlobal Scandinavia, said: “The Götheborg is a remarkable project, combining the pride of maritime history with the best of modern-day maritime technology. We are honoured to be providing the satcom technology to help the ship on its journey with 21st century communications capabilities.”
The ship, which SOIC says is a ’unique platform to promote trade relations and create business opportunities’, has just arrived on London in the first leg of a voyage around Europe and Asia that will last for 18 months.
