August 2024
Visiting Larvik
In early July, we had the privilege of visiting Larvik, a charming town in Norway. Almost 100 years ago, the company Melsom & Melsom built four whaling ships for Polaris. The second ship, Pol II, was launched in Oslo in 1926. Today, it sails as our very own Artemis, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.
Warm Welcome and Inspiring Stories
Thanks to the kind invitation from Erling and Thor Martin, we were welcomed with incredible hospitality. During our visit, we learned a great deal about the history of whaling in the region and were impressed by the entrepreneurship of Melsom & Melsom, who played a key role in Norway’s maritime industry.
Exploring Maritime History
Highlights included visits to two whale museums and the historic whaling ship ‘Southern Actor’, which still has a working three-cylinder steam engine, similar to the one that powered Pol II. Experiencing this machinery firsthand brought the history of the Artemis vividly to life.
Dedicated Research Brings History Alive
It was amazing to see how much research Erling and Thor Martin have conducted to uncover and preserve our ship’s story. Their dedication allows us to connect the Artemis’ past with the present in a tangible and meaningful way.
Looking Forward to 2026
We are excitedly preparing for the Artemis centenary celebrations. On 24, 25, and 26 July 2026, our ship will return to Larvik for a festive three-day program celebrating 100 years of history.
Stay tuned as we share updates and stories leading up to this remarkable milestone—the Artemis’ history is not just preserved—it’s coming alive!
