S/S Hestmanden to bring maritime history to life in Aberdeen

The 114-year-old merchant cargo ship – the only preserved cargo vessel to have sailed in convoys during both World War I and World War II – will be berthed at Jamieson’s Quay in the port’s North Harbour.

The vessel will be open to the public from 20-23 May, 11.00am to 5.00pm daily, where the public can immerse themselves in powerful exhibitions and storytelling on board. Pedestrian access to the vessel is opposite Union Square, following the designated safe walkway to the security checkpoint at the entrance to Jamieson’s Quay. Please note that there will be no parking available on site, so visitors are advised to make alternative travel arrangements.

Nicknamed ‘the lucky ship’ for surviving wartime convoys in two global conflicts, Hestmanden is the only remaining ship of the more than 1,000 that made up the Nortraship fleet during World War II. She stands as a powerful symbol of Norwegian maritime and wartime heritage from the first half of twentieth century.

Now operated by the Norwegian War Soldiers Museum, the fully restored vessel serves as a floating technical and historical museum, honouring the contribution of merchant seafarers and the estimated 4,500 Norwegian sailors who lost their lives in World War II.

Lewis Matheson, Deputy Harbour Master, Port of Aberdeen, said: “We are honoured to welcome S/S Hestmanden to Port of Aberdeen. Her remarkable history and the role she played in both world wars serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by merchant seafarers. It’s a true privilege to host such an important piece of maritime heritage here in Aberdeen.

“We are grateful to the Norwegian War Soldiers Museum for bringing this extraordinary vessel to Aberdeen and offering local residents and visiting guests the opportunity to step aboard and experience a unique piece of Norwegian and global maritime history.”

To find out more about S/S Hestmanden, visit the Vest-Agder Museum website.