Viking ship makes Docklands stop ahead of royal visit

A reconstructed Viking ship built in Melbourne has made a striking appearance at Docklands, berthing at NewQuay near the Melbourne City Marina ahead of the expected arrival of Denmark’s King and Queen in Melbourne.

The vessel, Mjölner, is a handcrafted reconstruction of a Viking ship built in Melbourne by Danish shipbuilder Asbjorn Pedersen using traditional Danish shipbuilding methods and historic designs.

According to material circulated ahead of the royal visit, the ship was created as a tribute to Danish maritime heritage and the enduring cultural links between Denmark and Australia.

Having sailed from Martha Cove on the Mornington Peninsula with a Viking crew on board, Mjölner arrived in Docklands last week and is due to remain there until the royal visit.

Organisers are hoping the vessel will help create a memorable welcome for the Danish royals when they visit the Port of Melbourne’s Education Centre at Pier 35 on Tuesday, March 17.

As part of the planned spectacle, the ship is set to sail around Pier 35 at about 4pm in a bid to catch the attention of Their Majesties during their brief visit. A Viking reenactment group, The Joms Viking, is also expected to take part.

The invitation prepared for the royal visit describes Mjölner as “a meticulously reconstructed Viking ship” and says it includes authentic iron rivets specially forged in keeping with traditional Viking shipbuilding techniques.

The document also notes that the vessel was built to reflect the craftsmanship and engineering of Viking maritime culture, while offering “an opportunity to recognise the enduring cultural connections between Denmark and Australia and the contribution of Danish migrants who have preserved and shared their heritage abroad”.

Its temporary stay in Docklands has provided an unusual sight on the waterfront, with the longship adding a touch of Nordic history to the modern harbour setting.

Photos: Jenny Denton.