Passenger and charter ship - M/S Origo -1955
- Steel ship with classic construction, built in 1955 and in operation until bankruptcy.
- Rebuilt in the 1990s for passenger and charter traffic with a focus on coastal tours, conference operations and Arctic expeditions.
Information about the ship:
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Ship name: M/S Origo
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IMO number: 5180295
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Call sign: SMYR
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MMSI: 265339000
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Flag: Sweden
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Year of construction: 1955
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Shipyard: Finnboda Shipyard, Stockholm
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Hull: Steel
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Machine: Nohab ML4
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Power: approx. 500 hp
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Top speed: about 10 knots
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Class: C (coastal speed)
Dimensions and weight:
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Length: 39.93 m
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Width: 8.84 m
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Draught: 3.6 m
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Gross tonnage: 368 GT
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Net tonnage: 110 NTZ
Capacity:
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Passengers: up to 24 people
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Restaurant: approx. 30 seats
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Cafeteria: approx. 30 seats
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Conference: approx. 30 participants
Accessories:
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Navigation equipment and communication system according to pictures
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Kitchen with stove, oven and extractor fan
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Several cabins, toilets and shower areas
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Lounges and common areas for passengers
Other information:
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Previously used as a pilot and lighthouse ship
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Rebuilt for passenger traffic in the 1990s
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Has also been used as a training ship for maritime training
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Last used for Arctic expeditions and charter cruises
History of the ship:
1955 — Built as M/S Kalmar at Finnboda Varv in Stockholm for the Swedish Maritime Administration , where she served as a pilot and lighthouse keeper.
1983 — Sold from the Swedish Maritime Administration and began to be used as a training ship , mainly for maritime students in Gothenburg.
1990s — Converted into a passenger ship with space for 24 people; restaurant and conference facilities were created.
1993–2003 — Owned by Red. AB Virgo, Partille.
2003–present — Owned by Rederi AB Origo / Master Mariner AB, Gothenburg.
Use & operations
Charters & cruises
During the summer season (May–October), M/S Origo has made expedition cruises in Arctic waters , including around Svalbard and sometimes the Hebrides. She is equipped and rebuilt to be able to go into the Arctic Ocean and get closer to nature experiences such as glaciers, wildlife and fjord landscapes.
This means that the ship is used for both adventure and nature trips , with a smaller number of passengers for more personal experiences.
Training ship
During the rest of the year, beyond seasonal cruises, Origo is often used as a training ship by maritime education institutions (e.g. Lindholmens Technical High School in Gothenburg). Students then receive training in navigation, mechanical engineering, safety and practical seamanship on board.
Current AIS status
According to AIS positioning, ORIGO is still active as a passenger ship under the Swedish flag, domiciled in the Gothenburg area and with sporadic position reports at sea.
Summary
M/S Origo is a culturally and historically interesting ship profile from the mid-1950s that has gone through several stages:
- Pilot and lightship for the Swedish Maritime Administration
- Training ship for seafarers' training
- Passenger and expedition ships in coastal and Arctic waters
She combines classic construction and robust craftsmanship with modern charter and training operations.
