After a year of restoration work at Hvide Sande Shipyard, the historic Lightship No. XVII, Gedser Rev, is now returning to its place in Elsinore Harbor. The lightship, built in 1895 and owned by the National Museum of Denmark, has undergone its second restoration at Hvide Sande Shipyard to preserve its maritime heritage and ensure that it can continue to tell its unique story at the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark.
In a press release from the M/S Maritime Museum, Jens Broch, Chairman of the Lightship Guild, says: “It has been so exciting to follow. A team of us volunteers have been over there looking and helping along the way, and now we’re looking forward to bringing the ship home and continuing to work on communicating the ship’s history in our historic port in Elsinore.”
The restoration has primarily focused on the ship’s stern, frames and inner lining, but other parts of the ship have also received a much-needed upgrade. “We are proud to have once again had the pleasure of restoring the historic Lightship Nr. XVII. It has been an exciting and challenging task, and we are delighted with the result,” says Jesper Vejlgaard, who was responsible for the restoration at Hvide Sande Shipyard.
From Hvide Sande back home to Helsingør
Early Sunday morning, January 19, 2025, Gedser Rev left Hvide Sande in the morning fog and is now being towed by the tug Gitte Vig around Skagen towards Helsingør, where it is expected to arrive on Wednesday.
The Gedser Rev lightship has a rich history, including an important role during the Cold War, when the crew rescued refugees from the GDR on board. The ship is on long-term loan to Elsinore Municipality and is an important part of the maritime cultural heritage in Denmark.
