THE STEAM FERRY s/s IVAR BLÅ (1872)

The steamship Ivar Blå was the first ferry to call at Byxelkrok in 1872. At that time, there was no proper harbour, so Ivar Blå anchored offshore and passengers were brought ashore by smaller boats. Ivar Blå called at Byxelkrok only a few times. It was not until 1875 that regular ferry services between Oskarshamn and Byxelkrok were established.

Some historical photographs on this website have been digitally restored and colourised. Certain images may be AI-assisted reconstructions based on historical sources.

SHIP DETAILS

•  Built: 1865

•  Construction cost: 38,500 rdr

•  Shipyard: Motala Werkstad

•  Length: 28.2 metres

•  Beam: 4.9 metres

•  Gross / Net Tonnage (GRT / NRT): 103 / 61

•  Draft: 1.93 metres

•  Propulsion: Steam engine

•  Power: 100 hp (74 kW)

•  Top speed: 10 knots

•  Passenger capacity: 238

HISTORY

15 March 1865

Launched at Motala Verkstad.

29 May 1865

Delivered by Motala Werkstads Bolag as Ivar Blå to Enköpings Ångfartygsbolag, Enköping.

January 1872

Sold to Norra Kalmarsunds Ångbåtsrederibolag, Oskarshamn for 24,000 rdr. Entered service on the route Oskarshamn - Borgholm - Alvedsjöbodar - Byxelkrok.

15 March 1873

Sold to Ångbåtsbolaget Nora Ström for 34,000 rdr and renamed Noraström.

2 January 1955

Sold to Järnhandels AB O. A. Blom, Stockholm, for SEK 2,500. The steam engine and boiler were removed and the superstructure dismantled.

24 April 1957

The vessel was scrapped.