The history of the Hans Hansson: Heir to the spirit of the Skomvær
The Hans Hansson, the current flagship of Quixote Expeditions, is not just a modern vessel adapted for sailing in polar regions. Its history and character connect it to a centuries-old maritime tradition rooted in the great sailing ships of Northern Europe, such as the legendary Skomvær—a symbol of 19th-century Norwegian naval engineering. In this article, we sail through past and present to understand how these stories intertwine in every journey aboard the Hans Hansson.
Skomvær: The Lighthouse, the ship, the origin of a name
It all begins in Skomvær, a small island south of Røst, at the far end of Norway’s Lofoten archipelago. In this remote and wind-swept location, a 31.7-meter (104 ft) cast-iron lighthouse was built in 1887 after decades of proposals and political debate. This lighthouse not only illuminated one of the Arctic’s most important maritime routes—it also gave its name to one of the most advanced ships of its time.
In 1890, the shipping company J.C. & G. Knudsen commissioned the construction of a revolutionary steel-hulled sailing ship, designed by naval architect Randulf Hansen. With three masts and 26 sails, the vessel was named Skomvær in honor of the newly built lighthouse. For decades, Skomvær sailed international trade routes, transporting coal, timber, and other goods between continents before being retired from service in 1922.
The northern spirit that lives on in the Hans Hansson
Over a century later, in a different context and with new technologies, the Hans Hansson was born—a modern expedition vessel built to navigate some of the planet’s most challenging regions: Antarctica, the South Atlantic, and the remote islands at the ends of the earth. Operated today by Quixote Expeditions, the ship represents the modern legacy of those great Norwegian sailing vessels that once defined an era.
Originally built as a rescue vessel for the Shetland Islands Maritime Service, the Hans Hansson was later transformed into a rugged, versatile expedition ship. While very different in technology from the Skomvær, it shares a similar philosophy: to sail into the unknown, explore remote shores, and remain self-sufficient in extreme environments.
A new mission: Science, conservation, and adventure
Quixote Expeditions has given the Hans Hansson a purpose suited to the 21st century. Beyond responsible tourism, the ship plays a vital role in scientific and logistical support. Its expeditions carry not only travelers but also researchers studying fragile ecosystems, retreating glaciers, and marine biodiversity in places like Antarctica.
In this way, the Hans Hansson becomes a bridge between tradition and innovation—between the old cargo ships like Skomvær and today’s vessels dedicated to knowledge and conservation. If Skomvær carried coal and goods, the Hans Hansson carries ideas, experiences, and discoveries.
A design made for exploration
The architecture of the Hans Hansson also honors the functionality of traditional Nordic ships. Compact, reinforced, and highly maneuverable, it’s ideal for navigating narrow channels, landing on rugged coasts, and withstanding the harsh conditions of wind and ice. Its size allows for an intimate experience, where passengers actively participate in life aboard, much like traditional sea voyages.
Sailing on the Hans Hansson evokes the era when ships like the Skomvær crossed oceans without satellite assistance, relying solely on the captain’s skill, the hull’s strength, and the will of the wind.
A tribute in every journey
Although separated by more than a century, Skomvær and Hans Hansson are connected by an invisible thread of Norwegian seamanship, a passion for exploration, and respect for nature. It’s no coincidence that the name Hans Hansson echoes those pioneering Arctic captains. It is also a tribute to seafarers like Hans Christian Rafn, the first captain of Skomvær, who made sailing a way of life.
Explore with us
If you want to be part of this story, discover our expeditions to Antarctica or adventures to remote South Georgia—sailing aboard the Hans Hansson. Each voyage is an opportunity to connect with nature and with centuries of maritime history.
The Hans Hansson is more than just a ship; it’s a continuation of the adventurous spirit that once drove great sailing vessels like the Skomvær. In every wave, in every remote port, lives the legacy of centuries of exploration and resilience. Sailing with Quixote Expeditions means becoming part of that living history—where maritime tradition meets science, conservation, and discovery in some of the most awe-inspiring and remote corners of the planet. Contact us to plan your own journey!
