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

Stockholm 2008 : Traditional vessels owned by the Waxholmsbolaget : SS Storskar, SS Norrskar and MV (ex-SS) Vastan

 Waxholmsbolaget is the most noticeable name in connection with excursion services in the Stockholm archipelago. Waxholm is the main resort in the archipelago, approximately one hour's sailing time out of the capital city. A steamship company bearing the name of the busy steamer terminal came to dominate business in the area, but ran into financial trouble in the 1960s as business was increasingly lost to car and bus traffic, supported by new car ferry shuttle services to many of the archipelago's islands. The company was taken over by the Stockholm county council and its role gradually changed to become the oversseeing organisation for public transport in the area. This remains the case today, but it's mode of operation is rather unusual. It owns a number of vessels including two steamships (Storskar and Norrskar) plus one traditional excursion ship (the diesel conversion, Vastan) but operation of these vessels is subcontracted to other local operators, many of whom also operate their own services independently of the Waxholmsbolaget. The three traditional ships,amongst others, are operated by Blidosundsbolaget AB, who also operate the steamer Blidosund separately from the Waxholmbolaget organisation. What is common is that most services in the archipelago and all of those contracted to Waxholmsbolaget share a common timetable and fare structure and services operate with the ultimate guarantee of state support.

Storskar (built 1908) came into the company's forerunners' hands in 1939 after spending the first part of her life on Lake Malaren, where road transport made inroads into the steamers' business earlier than in the archipelago. Storskar, the only boat serving the area which had triple expansion engines, and was also the fastest of the steamers, remained in the fleet of the newly nationalised company after 1964.

Norrskar (built 1910) was also bought by the Waxholm company after an early life in the archipelago serving Sandhamn in particular and was retained after nationalisation.

Vastan (built 1900) was bought in 1937 after she was made redundant by her original operators on Lake Malaren, she was an early casualty of the growing move to convert steamers to diesel power, receiving her new plant in 1953. This engine was not long lived as a new unit was fitted in 1966. In 1984 it was announced that she would be withdrawn, but the protests of enthusiasts were heeded and she remains an important workhorse of the fleet to this day.

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