March 2007 - Eitzen group

A different kind of ship visitBy Guy G. Smith, Eitzen Bulk, SingaporeStaff and families of Eitzen Bulk,Eitzen Gas and Eitzen Chemical inSingapore visited the "GOTHEN-BURG" during her recent port call on9th January, 2007. She is an exact replicaof an East Indiaman of the samename. The original "GOTHENBURG"sank at the entrance to Gothenburg,Sweden in 1745 as she returned fromher third voyage to Far East whilst inthe service of the Swedish East IndiaCompany.In 2005 the "new" "GOTHENBURG"was launched from the Terra Nova shipyardin Gothenburg after ten years constructionusing traditional techniquesand materials - a far cry from todayssuper efficient and fast yards. Her hull ismade from oak, much of it felled inDenmark, and with her masts and riggingmade of spruce and pine.Including the bowsprit she is 58.5mlong, 11m beam with a displacement of1150mt and 1,964 sqm of sail area.The ship is fitted with an engine andmodern navigational aids. Much moreimportant according to younger membersof our boarding party was that shewas fitted with "CANNONS!""GOTHENBURG" has a crew of 19with another 60 volunteers and was inSingapore on the return leg of aSweden-China round voyage, afteralready calling Cadiz, Cape Town,Fremantle, Jakarta and Guangzhou.We were lucky to have Fridtjof Eitzenand his friend, Mads, join us for the shipvisit and the Eitzen Singapore annualdinner that followed. Fridtjof and Madsare on their own world voyage and wewere all envious of them!If a demonstration was needed of howfar we have come in terms of ships andthe part they play in world trade, the"GOTHENBURG" vividly provides itand is a testament to her builders andthose who sail aboard her.“GOTHENBURG” at berthOur Swedish guide, Fridtjof and MadsEitzen Singapore staff and family14 Eitzen News