S/S Primus

About the museum

S/S Primus was ordered by the sawmill owner Fredrik Bünsow at Skönvik sawmill north of Sundsvall and delivered in 1875 from Lindbergs mekaniska verkstad (Lindberg’s Mechanical Workshop) in Stockholm. She was used as a steam tug in timber handling along the Sundsvall coast and later also served at the Karlsvik and Mon sawmills. The vessel was active as a steam tug until 1960.

In 1902 Primus was lengthened by about three metres and given a new two-cylinder steam engine. After 1960 she was bought by a ship breaker, but was saved at the last moment when SCA needed a chain boat for timber bundles. She was then rebuilt with a diesel engine. When timber handling on the water ceased in 1984, the vessel was donated to Medelpads Sjöhistoriska Förening (Medelpad Maritime Heritage Association).

The association restored the vessel to steam operation over nearly ten years, using a steam engine from Sundsvalls museum that had previously been fitted in the boat Gustav. Primus was re-inaugurated as a steamship in 1993–1994 and has since sailed the waters of Sundsvall in summer, including to Tjuvholmen. She is Sweden’s first heritage-classified steamship and was K-marked in 2005. The vessel is used for displays, trips and events.

Highlights

• Sundsvall’s last surviving steam tug from the sawmill era
• Sweden’s first K-marked and heritage-classified steamship
• Steam engine of about 65 hp in operation
• Trips, displays and events in summer
• Run on a voluntary basis by Medelpads Sjöhistoriska Förening

Founded

1984

Operated by

Medelpads Sjöhistoriska Förening

Admission & discounts

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Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The association’s address is Karlsvikspiren (the Karlsvik pier); in summer the vessel operates from Sundsvall harbour.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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