EXCURSION & INSHORE STEAMSHIPS by Tramscape, publishers of the Paddle Steamer Resources Database

Stockholm 2008

 Stromma Kanalbolaget is one of the main operators of excursion ships in the Stockholm area. it is part of the Stromma Turism & Sjofart AB company, which also operates the larger "Cinderella" boats Cinderella I and Cindeella II and MV "Askungen" to the more further flung extremities of the Stockholm archipelago, and also Bjornessons, the main excursion operator at Gothenburg on Sweden's west coast. In the Stockholm area, their ships operate independently of the "Waxholmsbolaget", the city-owned company which oversees public transport in the archipelago, but the Cinderella ships are integrated into the the Waxholmbolaget fare structure.
Stromma's excurssion ships are mainly operating in Lake Malaren, the vast expanse of water inland of Stocholm city which effectively controls the connection between the lake and the Archipelago. The vessels Drottningholm and Gustafsberg VII reflect the two major lakeside attractions to which Stromma run excursions. The vessel Stockholm, in the summer season, runs three daily "fast" return trips to Waxholm, the main resort and traffic node in the archipelago in direct competition with the numerous services of the Waxholmbolaget.

The company's fleet in Stockholm includes two steamers, the much-rebuilt "Drottningholm" of 1909 and the "Stockholm" of 1931 which was originally a steamer on the Baltic Sea, which they rescued from certain scrapping and rebuilt in "heritage" style. Interestingly, Stockholm, which is much bigger than the other excursion ships, was given auxiliary diesel equipment which is used most of the time although her steam plant remains. The other vessels pictured here are also old, but have been converted to diesel operation in earlier years. "Enkoping", dating from 1868 and which received its diesel plant in 1948, one of the earlier conversions, is the oldest passenger vessel on Lloyds' List. Prins Carl Philip (1901, converted 1952), Angantyr (1909, converted 1955), Gustafsberg VII (1912, converted 1985), Ostana I (1906, converted 1985), Waxholm III (1908), Gustaf III (1912) complete the line-up of old-timers, lovingly restored.  Three more modern motor vessels, "Stromma Kanal" (1975), "Eskil" (1989) and "Victoria" (1984), are also in the fleet.

The Stromma company has been instrumental in saving and restoring old vessels : Enkoping, after a varied life at numerous locations in Sweden, latterly Lysekil, was purchased, re-christened with the first of her many names and rebuilt to approximate her original appearance. Waxholm III had been out of service since 1961 and used as a floating restaurant at Waxholm with her engines removed when she was bought. Only the dieselisation of Gustafsberg VII in 1985 of a vessel bought in 1973 proved controversial with enthusiasts, but the vessel retained its traditional appearance despite this financially-driven change.

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