MVGustafsberg VII

Gustafsberg VIImoored on Stockholm's Nybrokajen in 2011
History
Name	Gustafsberg VII(1912-c.1925) Gustavsberg VII(c.1925-1929) Saxaren(1929-1974) Gustafsberg VII(1974-)
Owner	Gustavsbergs fabriker(1912-1929) Waxholmsbolaget(1929-1964) Various (1964-1973) Strömma Kanalbolaget(1973-)
Builder	Oskarshamn Shipyard,Sweden
Acquired	1912
Maiden voyage	1912
Out of service	1964-1966
Identification	IMO number:5314937
General characteristics
Type	Passenger ferry
Tonnage	266GRT
Length	34.66 m (113 ft 9 in)
Beam	7.11 m (23 ft 4 in)
Draught	2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Speed	13.5 knots (25.0 km/h; 15.5 mph)

TheGustafsberg VIIis amotor vessel,and formersteam ship,that was built in 1912 atOskarshamn.In 1929 she was sold toWaxholmsbolaget.After being written off in a sinking accident in 1964, she was bought by steamship enthusiasts, salvaged and restored. In 1973,Strömma Kanalbolagetbought the ship. She was converted to diesel power in 1985, and is now used for tourist services in theStockholm archipelago.Over the years, she has also operated under the namesGustavsberg VIIandSaxaren.

History

Gustafsberg VIIwas ordered by theGustavsberg porcelain factory,principally to transport their products from their factory, She was built as a steam ship by theOskarshamn ShipyardinOskarshamnand was delivered to the Gustavsberg factory in May 1912. She ran on a route betweenStockholmandGustavsbergvia theSkurusundet.In around 1925, the spelling of the name was changed toGustavsberg VII.In December 1929, she was purchased byWaxholms Nya Ångfartygs AB,better known as Waxholmsbolaget, who gave her the nameSaxarenand run her on the route between Stockholm andMarumviaLinanäs.

In May 1964, theSaxarencapsized and sank at Stor-Krån's dock in westernSaxarfjärdenand was written off by her insurers as beyond economic repair. The sunken ship was sold to a pair of students and steamboat enthusiasts, Staffan Lindhé and Hans Johansson, for 1,200kronor.The ship was subsequently salvaged and repaired, and, after an abortive sale toDanishinterests, was sold toStrömma Kanalbolagetin 1973. In 1974, she regained her original name ofGustafsberg VIIand, at the wedding ofPrincess ChristinaandTord Magnuson,transported the royal couple and their wedding guests from Stockholm toDrottningholm Palace.

In 1985, theGustafsberg VIIwas converted to diesel power, and her original steam engines were transferred to theOskarshamn Maritime Museum,where they are still on display. In 2013, she reprised her 1974 role, by carrying the guests of the wedding betweenPrincess MadeleineandChristopher O'Neillfrom Stockholm to Drottningholm.

Operation

TheGustafsberg VIIis operated byStrömma Kanalbolageton cruises through theStockholm archipelagothat operate from theNybrokajenin Stockholm. Some of these cruises follow the ships's original route toGustavsbergvia theSkurusundetandBaggensstäketwaterways.

TheGustafsberg VIIhas a length of 34.66 metres (113.7 ft), a beam of 7.11 metres (23.3 ft), a draft of 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) and a tonnage of 266GRT.She has a top speed of 13.5 knots (25.0 km/h; 15.5 mph) and carries 260 passengers.