The text on this side is from the beutiful book "The Swedish Ship Götheborg sails again". The book bescribes how the discovery of a few fragments of porcelain led to a magnificent 18th century ship - one of the largest full-rigged wooden sailing ships in the world, whick meets international safety requirements for ocean-going vessels an graphical presentation of the entire unique Swedish East Indiaman "Götheborg" project. To buy the book...

On 3 September 2004 the ship was named by Queen Silvia, the ship's godmother, at a formal ceremony outside the Göteborg Opera House. The long awaited first sea trial took place on 22 May 2005.

A host of activities have been carried out over the years at the Terra Nova shipyard aimed at invigorating the project, developing the network of contacts and attracting new sponsors. The Swedish East India Company has also taken part in many events and exhibitions.

Media attention in Sweden and abroad has helped increase awareness of the new Swedish East Indiaman. In 2002 The Swedish Ship “Götheborg" project was awarded first prize for Best Arts Sponsorship, as well as the grand prize by Svenskt Kulturarv, an organisation for Sweden´s cultural heritage. More than a million visitors, including many prominent guests and delegations, have been able to follow the development of an 18th century sailing ship at Terra Nova. Public interest in the ship increased as the hull took shape, and more and more sponsors joined the project.

The project has attracted great attention in China. In April 2004, The Swedish Ship was visited by China´s Foreign Minister Mr Li Xiaoxing, who welcomed the ship to China. China´s Deputy Prime Minister, Madame Wu Yi, visited Terra Nova in September 2004. Both emphasised the importance of The Swedish Ship "Götheborg" as a symbol for trade, cultural exchange and friendship between Sweden and China.

The Swedish Ship “Götheborg" - a reconstruction of a ship from the mid-18th century  is now one of the largest fullrigged wooden sailing ships in the world, and meets international safety requirements for ocean going vessels. The project is based on modern research combined with the revival of traditional methods of craftsmanship dating from the 18th century. Anyone meeting The Swedish Ship “Götheborg" under full sail out at sea would find it impossible to distinguish her from the original ship. Above the waterline, the “Götheborg" is a historical sailing ship. The modern machinery and the majority of the advanced technical equipment have been concealed deep down in the hull. A feat that many considered impossible has now been achieved. The magnificent 18th century ship is sailing again!
 

The original East Indiaman “Götheborg" ran aground at the entrance to Göteborg on 12 September 1745. The ship was fully laden with goods such as tea, porcelain, silk and spices, and had almost reached dock after her third voyage to China, which had lasted a full 30 months. There was not much left of the ship in December 1984, according to the divers who descended to the sea bed by the submerged rock, Hunnebådan, 900 metres from New Elfsborg Fortress. Yet it would emerge that, under layers of clay, there was a great deal to rediscover. A marine archaeological excavation lasting from 1986 to 1992 opened the door to a by gone century, adventurous voyages and trade with China. And awakened the dream of rebuilding the ship.

The Swedish East Indiaman “Götheborg" Foundation was established in 1986 for the excavation. A fundraising foundation with the wholly owned subsidiary company Svenska Ostindiska Companiet AB (SOIC) was established in 1993. The first step in the exciting construction project was taken in June 1995. That was when the keel was laid down, becoming a symbol for the start of the actual shipbuilding process. The frames were assembled in 1996-1998, and the hull began to take shape. Work inside the hull started in spring 1999. Planking of the hull began in 2000, as did sail and ropemaking and installation of the mechanical systems.

Autumn 2001 saw the start of yard production with construction of masts and installation of engines, propeller systems and tanks. All the masts were raised and the bowspit. The standing rigging were completed. The watertight bulkheads were installed, and work on the fitting out and installation of technical systems commenced.