SS Hestmanden

SS "Hestmanden" is a Norwegian steamer which sailed in foreign trade during both World War I and World War II, and the only preserved and remaining cargo ship that has sailed in convoys during both world wars. As the only remaining in the Nortraship's fleet, it represents a central part of Norway's war history and maritime history and is a very important protection object. "Hestmanden" is considered perhaps the most valuable veteran vessel of Norway.
"Hestmanden" was built in Laksevåg for the Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab in 1911. During the interwar period and after World War II until the 1970s, "Hestmanden" sailed as usual in this shipping company's domestic coastal freight route.
In a fairly dilapidated condition, "Hestmanden" was taken care of by the Norsk Veteranskipsklubb ( a Norwegian club for veteran vessels) in 1979. In 1995 the restoration work started at the Bredalsholmen Veteranship Shipyard in Kristiansand.
Floating museum.
The idea was to enable the ship to be a sailing museum along the coast of Norway as a memorial of the Norwegian wartime sailors.
In September 2011, the steamer was "re-launched" from the yard. It will now be anchored as a museum ship, home ported in Kristiansand. During the baptism ceremony, King Harald was present, together with 240 war time sailors, among others.
After 2011, further restoration and upgrading has been an ongoing process.