The huge project is now nearing completion and on Friday, June 6, 2003, the East Indiaman Götheborg was launched in the city of Göteborg, Sweden in the presence of the Swedish Royal Couple.
Despite the new version of the East Indiaman Götheborg being a copy of the original in appearance, there are certain differences.
The 1700s East Indiaman naturally was at the mercy of the winds. The new East Indiaman Götheborg is, of course, a sailing ship, but for safety and classification reasons the ship must be equipped with engines.
On board the Götheborg there are five Volvo Penta engines, making up the ships complete machine plant. The main engines are two TAMD165A diesels. These two 16-liter diesel engines, each with 550 hp and each driving a variable pitch propeller, provide the propulsion for the ship when not under sail, for example, when docking.
Other power needs on board are provided by two Volvo Penta 10-liter diesel engines and a 7-liter diesel engine. These three engine power generating sets that produce electricity to the cooling system, lighting and other equipment that is normal for a modern ship.
All the engines were manufactured at the Volvo engine plant in Skövde, Sweden.
Volvo Penta is a global supplier of engines and drive systems for commercial shipping. In recent years, the product range has been broadened in terms of power and currently Volvo Penta offers engines up to approximately 2,000 hp. The engines are installed in ferries, tugboats, rescue ships, smaller freight carriers and a many other commercial vessels worldwide.
Facts about the East Indiaman Götheborg
Length: 58.50 meters
Beam: 11.00 meters
Draft: 5.25 meters
Vertical clearance: 47 meters
Displacement: 1,250 tons
Propulsion: 2 x 16-liter Volvo Penta diesel engines, at 550 hp each
Max speed: 8 knots under power, about 6 knots under sail
Please click here for further information about East Indiaman Götheborg: http://www.soic.se