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The deckhands on Blidösund

The deckhands, or sailors as they are called today, are part of the crew who, with various tasks, ensure that S/S Blidösund is fully operational and ready for service. Historically, their work has been demanding, and some of these tasks are still part of their duties today

Blidösund: Summer guests, heavy cargo, and the deckhands' work

1910s and 1920s: Summer Guests and a Heavily Loaded Steamship
During the 1910s and 1920s, it was common for families to move out to the archipelago for the summer, bringing along a large amount of household belongings on the steamship journey. The deckhands were a central part of the crew, ensuring that S/S Blidösund was fully operational and ready for service, along with the rest of the crew. Their work is a living part of our steamship history and a reminder of the harsh working conditions, some of which still exist today.

1930s: Changed Work Tasks
In the 1930s, summer guests stayed for shorter periods in the archipelago, reducing the amount of personal belongings that needed to be transported. Despite this, the deckhands’ work didn’t become much easier. Carl-Eric Carlsson, who served as a deckhand in the 1930s, spoke about the physical strain: standing at the helm and carrying 80–100-kilogram coal sacks to the steam engine. Additionally, the deckhands handled cargo that was transported to around ten businesses located on Blidö and Yxlan. If there was any spare time, it was spent scrubbing, sweeping, painting, and cleaning windows.

Wood Transport and the new era of S/S Blidösund

World Wars: Wood Transport and Heavier Work
During the First and Second World Wars, when coal was in short supply, S/S Blidösund was fueled with wood instead of coal. This meant even heavier work for the deckhands, who had to collect wood from the docks and carry it down to the engine room. In the 1950s, the amount of cargo to be transported was still significant. At one point, 150 bicycles were stowed on the roof when S/S Blidösund left Stockholm. Goods also had to be loaded for stores on the islands. By then, the deckhands were reduced to just three, and with fewer work opportunities due to new fast ferries and increased bus and car traffic, their tasks became less frequent.

The Return in 1969: A New Era and New Tasks
When ferries to Yxlan and Blidö were introduced in the mid-1950s, car traffic became tough competition, and Blidösund’s services ceased in 1961. The S/S Blidösund route was revived in 1969, with changed duties for the deckhands. Heavy freight no longer appeared on the steamship, but new tasks emerged, such as cruises and new trips, including routes to Strängnäs, Friday and Sunday trips via Blidösundet, boat-based city walks, and Steamship Music.

Today: A unique and demanding job

Today, one to two deckhands work aboard S/S Blidösund. Compared to modern vessels, S/S Blidösund still involves physically demanding and unique work, handling ropes, gangways, docks, coal, and slag. With today’s cruises focusing on providing a great experience and service to guests, the work of the deckhands continues to play an important role.