THE STEAMSHIP s/s JARL (1907-1950)

Built at Oskarshamn Mekaniska Verkstad and launched in 1909, the steamship Jarl quickly became an important part of transports across Kalmarsund.

Just over 30 metres long, she was suited for both passengers and cargo, and could even accommodate the first cars, which were winched aboard at the quay.

The traffic was busy and varied. General cargo made up a large part of the load, but livestock was also regularly transported across the sound. From Oskarshamn, beer and soft drinks from the brewery were shipped. These goods reached ports such as Byxelkrok and became part of everyday life along the coast. Jarl called at several ports along the coast of Öland – Alvedsjöbodar, Sandvik, Borgholm and Byxelkrok.

At the piers, people met, traded and exchanged news and each arrival brought a sense of connection to the wider world.

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

VESSEL DETAILS

•  Built: 1908 – entered service 1909

•  Shipyard: Oskarshamn Mekaniska Verkstad

•  Length: 32.7 metres

•  Beam: 6.8 metres

•  Draught: 2.72 metres

•  Gross Tonnage (GRT): 245

•  Propulsion: Steam engine

•  Power: 400 hp (294 kW)

•  Capacity: Designed to carry passengers, general cargo, and livestock

•  Special feature: Cars were loaded aboard by winch.

HISTORY

1907

Completed by Oskarshamn Mekaniska Verkstad as Jarl for Oskarshamn Steamship Company. Entered service in 1909 on routes between Oskarshamn, Kalmar and Öland.

15 May 1951

Sold to shipowner A. M. Hedlund, Skelleftehamn for 76,500 SEK. Converted into a timber tugboat.

December 1956

Sold to shipowner T. Johannisson, Gothenburg for SEK 18,000.

May 1958

Sold to AB Elliot & Co, Stockholm.

6 May 1959

AB Elliot & Co reported that the vessel had been scrapped at Stocksund, north of Stockholm.