The story of the galleass Anna Møller

When was the ship delivered?: 1 June 1906
Acquired by the National Museum of Denmark: 1975
Place of construction: Randers, Jutland

The story of the Anna Møller is the story of a ship that refuses to be forgotten – from a small cargo ship in Randers to one of Denmark’s most beloved historic vessels. Follow its journey from 1906 to the present day, and learn about the craftsmanship that kept it afloat.

1.

Origins and construction (1879–1906)

The story begins in the seafaring town of Lohals on Langeland, where Captain Martin Christian Sørensen grew up in a family of seafarers. In 1905, he decided to have a larger ship built, financed by local seafaring families and a carpenter from Randers. On 1 June 1906, the ketch was delivered by shipbuilder Peter Larsen in Randers and was named Esther.

A black-and-white photograph of an old-fashioned sailing boat with large sails and a Danish flag, sailing on the open sea.

2.

Operation and use (1906–1969)

The Esther operated in Danish coastal trade, carrying cargo such as timber, coal, cement and paving stones. From 1909 to 1912, the ship was chartered as a cable-laying vessel for the State Telegraph Service, laying and repairing telegraph cables in Danish inland waters — including a dramatic winter voyage in 1909–10 involving storms, snow and ice. Skipper Sørensen was so meticulous with his ship that in maritime circles it was known as ‘The Laundry from Lohals’. In 1922, the ship was fitted with an engine, and it changed hands several times until 1955, when it was converted into a stone-dredging vessel and took part in the construction of the ferry ports at Rødby and Puttgarden. By 1969, the ship was too small to remain in service and was sold out of commercial shipping.

3.

Use as a museum ship (1976–2014)

In its early years, the Anna Møller was used in the National Museum of Denmark’s educational programme, where children could load, unload and hoist sails on a fictional voyage. Since then, the Anna Møller volunteer crew has sailed the ship every summer in Danish and neighbouring waters. The period was marked by ongoing maintenance and repairs — including several instances of fungal infestation and a couple of collisions.

Foto: Frede Christensen, Sydfyns Pressefoto

4.

Complete restoration (2014–2021)

A meticulous inspection in 2014 revealed extensive rot and fungal damage, and it was decided to carry out a complete restoration. A.P. Møller donated 13.2 million Danish kroner towards the project. The restoration took place in a timber shed in Holbæk harbour, where the Anna Møller was hoisted ashore on 11 December 2015. The work proved to be more extensive than expected — the keel, frames, decks, interior panelling and cabins were completely refurbished. On 21 May 2021, the ship was launched again, and on 11 June 2021, she was celebrated upon delivery following the completion of the restoration.

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