Stockholm veterans

摘要

Few places can boast such a large number of veteran ships as the Swedish capital, Stockholm. As the city lies at the heart of an archipelago of more than 24,000 islands, it is not surprising that water transport is so important. Why so many elderly vessel have survived is unclear, although the relatively fresh Baltic water may well be a major contributing factor. Whatever the reason, a walk along Stockholm's extensive waterfront reveals a wide variety of veteran and vintage vessels Some now fulfil static roles as floating hotels or restaurants while others remain active with private owners or preservation groups. The majority however, perhaps surprisingly, are still earning their keep in commercial ownership. They are sometimes referred to as 'White Swans' and, although many have had their original steam engines replaced by diesels, they are maintained in first class order and otherwise remain much as they were when first built.