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        Rebuilding a ship after a wreck was not common in olden days. But after 240 years, it comes as a wooden-built replica which means,  it’s something special.

        Yes, the Swedish Ship Gotheborg anchored off  Chennai port last evening. After a 11-round salute announcing that the crew had laid down arms and ammunition, the Port authorities gave a warm, traditional and cultural welcome along with a gun salute and colourful balloons flying high.

Students having a look at the replica of Swedish Ship Gotheborg.

Looking back at the history of the ship, the East Indian merchant vessel Gotheborg sunk with her cargo just outside her home port Gothenburg in Sweden  on 12 September 1745.         After 240 years, rediscovered by a diver who later began a marine-archaeological excavation, the sailing vessel  has been on a historical journey from Gothenburg to China, along the historical route thanks to the Swedish East India Company AB (SOIC) which took up the project.         On board ship, a crew of 19 people and another 60 volunteer apprentices work together under the commanding officer Gunnar Silfverberg-Utgaard, who has 35 years of sailing experience, 15 of which on large sailing vessels.         The Indian crew onboard were actress Revathy, Lieutenant Commander Amit Arvind, a tsunami-affected fisherman’s son, a Chennai businessman and two journalists.         The ship’s captain Peter Kaaling said they unloaded some friends during the journey and taken back some from the port.         According to reports, the ship has moderate equipment in line with today’s maritime safety requirements, including engines, modern navigation systems and a power supply in order to sail as an ocean-going vessel.         Speaking on the occasion, Sweden Deputy Prime Minister Maud Olofsson said trade between Sweden and India had increased by 41 per cent in 2006 and this voyage would further Indo-Swedish relationships.

        Stella Mjardner, president, SOIC, said the ship was built using environment- friendly material and hand-made ropes.

        Tamilnadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, Embassy of Sweden, Charge dAffaires Harold Falth, Union Minister T R Baalu also spoke.

        The ship will be open for public viewing from 3 to 7 February between 1 pm and 6 pm. The entry fee for adults is Rs 50 while there is no fee for children under 12. All members of the public are requested to carry a photocopy of their photograph to be allowed into the port.