Ancient ship identified

An 18th-century Norwegian cargo ship, known as the Mjønes jekt, has been identified as having a lifespan exceeding 100 years, significantly longer than the typical lifespan of ships from that era, which was estimated at around thirty years.

Discovery location

The wreck was discovered in February 2021 at the mouth of the Mjønes River, located halfway between the cities of Bodø and Fauske in the Nordland county. A heritage archaeologist had previously reported the presence of a row of ship frames visible at low tide.

Research findings

Research on the remains, conducted by archaeologists Stephen Wickler and Fredrik Skoglund, was published in September in the scientific journal Tromura. The study traces the journey of the boat and its numerous repairs.

Construction and materials

Built from local pine in the 18th century, the Mjønes jekt was a traditional Norwegian boat with a single mast and a wide hull. Dendrochronological analysis indicated that the boat was constructed after 1705, with wood sourced from pines along the Saltenfjord.

Evidence of repairs

The presence of replacement planks with growth rings dating to 1838, 1846, and 1859, as well as a spruce nail from 1807 and a linden bast rope from between 1727 and 1785, suggests extensive repairs over time. Nearly half of the wreck has been preserved, with the ship measuring approximately 9 meters in length and up to 4.8 meters in width.

Abandonment and preservation

The researchers suggest that the ship was likely stranded and abandoned due to its age and inability to sail safely. It rested on its starboard side in a clay trench, with its hull filled with gravel from the river and its bow torn away. The study notes that the use of clay played an important role in the preservation of the wreck, protecting the old hull.

Implications for historical understanding

The Mjønes jekt's extended lifespan may be more common than previously thought, according to the researchers. They estimate that recent discoveries around this unique ship could challenge established ideas about the lifespan of boats more than three centuries ago.

Mysterious features

The removal of almost all iron rivets from the Mjønes hull remains a mystery, as such practices have not been observed on other wrecks. The jekt retains some areas of shadow, which other research could analyze in the future.