Carmelan
In 2025, following more than a year of meticulous restoration, Hvide Sande Shipyard proudly returned Carmelan to her owner. This project was particularly special, as full-scale wooden ship restorations are a rarity, making it an exciting and rewarding challenge for our skilled shipwrights. The result is a seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern maritime standards – an achievement we take great pride in.
Specifications
| Vessel type | Wooden sailing vessel |
| Vessel name | Carmelan |
| Delivery | First quarter 2025 |
| Description | Motor sail boat |
| Hull material | Wood |
| Tonnage | 34 GT |
| Length over all | 18,20 m. |
| Breadth beam | 4,90 m. |
| Depth | 3,00 m. |
| Accomodation | 15 persons |
| Main engines | 1 pcs. Scania DI09 070M, 184 kW |
| ESU (Batteries) | 20 kWh Vitron L iFePO4 battery bank |
| Aux. Engine | 1 pcs Panda 25i PMS 25 kVA |
| Speed (knots) | 8-9 knots |
| Propulsion | Hundested propeller VP5 |
| Classification | German Maritime Authority |
| Other equipment | Vacuum toilets and vacuum bilge system |
Where heritage meets modern demands
Originally built as a fishing vessel in 1927 at the Hjørne & Jacobsen shipyard in Frederikshavn, Carmelan embodies a rich maritime legacy. Restoring a nearly century-old wooden vessel required a deep understanding of traditional shipbuilding techniques, combined with the expertise to integrate modern safety and operational requirements.
As Carmelan embarks on her next chapter – including occasional transatlantic voyages – her restoration demanded a careful balance between preserving historical integrity and meeting contemporary performance expectations. The result is a vessel that honors its heritage while incorporating modern features, such as beautifully finished interiors and milled ornamental detailing in the hatch chambers.
“The knowledge of old traditional shipbuilding and the exceptional craftsmanship of the employees at Hvide Sande Shipyard have enabled the Carmelan to remain the Carmelan of 1927 and that history and the latest technology have found harmony during the restoration.”
Hans-Julius Ahlmann, sponsor of the Carmelan and Managing Partner of the Schleswig-Holstein-based ACO Group
Comprehensive restoration
The owners of Carmelan sought to preserve this historic wooden vessel while adapting it for use as a representative vessel to act as an ambassador for traditional seafaring, especially in the Baltic region. However, her initial condition required an extensive restoration, making this project one of the most ambitious wooden ship refits undertaken at Hvide Sande Shipyard.
One of the key challenges was sourcing high-quality timber suitable for shipbuilding – a task that involved extensive research and market sourcing. The successful acquisition of the right materials ensured the structural integrity and authenticity of the restoration.
Engine upgrade for Carmelan
Beyond structural work, Carmelan was outfitted with a new main engine and shaft arrangement, including a gear with PTO, which drives a generator to charge the vessel’s battery bank when powered by wind. The sea trail, complete with new rigging, was executed flawlessly, confirming that all updated systems performed as expected.
A vessel with a story
First launched as Kristian, Carmelan was originally built for the Danish fishing industry before being sold to a German owner in 1978. Since 1989, she has served various roles, from youth sailing and chartering to extended voyages. Today, Carmelan is owned by a non-profit organization.
Over its long history, the Carmelan has gathered many supporters who are committed to preserving the ship and promoting traditional shipping in the Baltic Sea, including Hans-Julius and Iver Ahlmann, managing partners of the ACO Group, a leading watertech company based in Schleswig-Holstein.
With this restoration, Carmelan stands as a testament to Hvide Sande Shipyard’s dedication to preserving maritime heritage while ensuring vessels remain seaworthy and fit for modern demands.
Gallery: Before restoration
Gallery: After restoration
