More about M/S “Sognefjord”

We have received an email from an acquaintance of the old M/S “Sognefjord”. She is interested in old boats and local history and wants to provide information about “her” old boat; she writes, among other things;

….There were others I thought of who might like to know that she is in good condition, those who perhaps laid the foundation for us still having her.. the crew from when she was called Sognefjord. She served faithfully for 32 years almost without incident, there must have been good seamanship from both the boatman and crew.! Not only has she now been restored, but it has been done by someone who has both knowledge and a heart for how to best take care of veteran ships.!

…There must be veterans from that crew who would like to hear that she is in good health……If they haven't kept up to date themselves, then good news bears repeating..?

As I said, there was a very good working environment on board, where everyone looked forward to going to work every day. I think it was very sad for them when the ship was sold, they didn't know at the time if they would see her again... or how it was going. Do you mean that some of the crew are from the county, and some of the officers?

In the book “101 Fjord Boats” (MH Torvanger/ Selja Forlag) there is, among other things, a picture taken during the last trip, which includes the name. As skipper Knut Stavøstrand says in the book, this is a very special ship, a ship with style and charm; one might add - something the current owners have taken good care of.

I think as mentioned that the sale of this jewel may have triggered the good trend we now have of taking care of veteran ships, it must have been a wake-up call..! If it had been common to take care of veteran ships when she was sold by the FSF, she would have definitely been snapped up fairly quickly..!!

The ship entered service in 1950, and will celebrate its anniversary next year. A lively jubilarian, in other words!

You can find information on the ship's website: www.orientexplorer.com AND www.picasaweb.google.ca/sensiborneo/OrientExplorer See also the discussion forum www.captainsvoyager.com , there is lots of information and pictures. On www.sensiborneo.com there is information about the ship, interior and links to other information. In an email from a Norwegian travel agency operating in Malaysia, I was informed that you can book tours with the ship. She goes between Malaysia and Sabah/Borneo. Among those who have traveled with her in recent years are people who have previously been crew on board. Including some who were crew there before she was sold to Norway to be converted into a passenger ship..!

The last thing that has been said about the ship in the media here is -mostly- that it was sold in 1997. There has been little further history, until recently when it has fortunately received more attention.

As you can see from the many pictures, she has been well taken care of by her current owner. She is owned by a Dutchman, and the ship is registered in Rotterdam. But the familiar FSF flag is clearly visible on the bow, and on the aft deck the letters “Sognefjord” are visible above the current name “Orient Explorer”. The ship itself has been restored to the way it must have been in its glory days in the 50s, you can easily recognize the old interior – now in a refurbished version. Even the machines on board are the same GM giants that have been there since she was built in `43, so the bridge on board is a sight for the eyes..!!

I was on board Atløy the last time the boat was here in the municipality, and was able to take pictures and buy books about the boat. It is a completely different style from the older ships, they are not built like that anymore.

With best regards:
Eli K. Hamre.