Statsraad Lehmkuhl's Friends is contributing a total of 8 million kroner to the shipyard stay, which has turned out to be significantly more expensive than initially expected."
“The fact that we can now step in shows how important a large and solid Friends Association is for Statsraad Lehmkuhl,” says Grete Line Simonsen, head of the Friends Association.
Haakon Vatle, CEO of the Statsraad Lehmkuhl Foundation, is very grateful for the support.
“It’s fantastic that the Friends Association so quickly came forward with 8 million kroner,” says Vatle.
“This is also a call to everyone who loves the ship: The best way to show support is to join the Friends Association. Every krone goes towards preserving the ship for the future, and we hope the Friends Association’s commitment continues to inspire others.”
The contribution from the Friends Association is currently the largest to the fundraising effort underway to get Statsraad Lehmkuhl sailing again.
“We had to press the red button, because now we really need our strong supporters to contribute,” says Vatle.
JOIN THE FRIENDS ASSOCIATION HERE – INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
Price for individual membership:
Annual membership: NOK 350
Lifetime membership: NOK 3,500
Foreign membership: NOK 500
REGISTER YOUR COMPANY HERE – CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP
Price for corporate membership:
Under 100 employees: NOK 2,500 annually
Over 100 employees: NOK 5,000 annually
The entire rigging was taken ashore for replacement and repair. Photo: Martin Koch
The fundraising effort is well underway
Since the news of the 37 million kroner cost overrun was announced, the fundraising has been progressing well. In total, 12 million kroner have now been raised. The Shipowners’ Association has contributed two million.
Vatle is now working hard to get more participants in the fundraising.
“We have received many positive signals from both public and private entities, so we are optimistic. When so many friends want to contribute, we really see how much Statsraad Lehmkuhl means to people.”
Cost control
The extensive repair work at the shipyard this summer revealed more damaged steel than initially expected, both in the bottom of the ship and in the masts. Statsraad Lehmkuhl was originally scheduled to be out of the dock in September, but the stay is now extended until the beginning of December.
Vatle explains that they now have a good overview of the situation.
“We have conducted a thorough review and have also called in an external auditor to go through all costs and processes at the shipyard. We feel as confident as we can be that there will be no more surprises,” says Vatle.
More steel than expected had to be replaced during this year’s shipyard stay. Photo: Sigvard Madsen
The course is set for new adventures
Statsraad Lehmkuhl is expected to be out of the dock and back at Bradbenken in week 50 to welcome Christmas party guests. Just after the New Year, the annual winter voyage with the Naval Academy awaits, and in April 2025, the 12-month-long One Ocean Expedition begins.
Grete Line Simonsen encourages everyone who can and wants to, both individuals and companies with a heart for the ship, to join the Friends Association, which today has 2,837 members.
“As a member, you contribute to securing the future of Statsraad Lehmkuhl, a unique ship with great significance, both today and in the future,” she says.
Haakon Vatle emphasizes that the foundation’s primary goal is to preserve Statsraad Lehmkuhl for future generations through active operation.
“It costs to maintain a 110-year-old ship, and this time it costs more than expected. But despite its age, Statsraad Lehmkuhl has more of a future ahead of it than ever before,” says Vatle.
“As a floating ambassador for Norway and the UN Decade of Ocean Science, the ship plays an important role in promoting sustainable ocean management through projects like the One Ocean Expedition.”
Photo below: André Marton Pedersen
Published 28.08.24
By Helene Spurkeland
