Nilsson, who is also a sailor, was there the first day the ship hit the water. The first test journey was from Gothenburg to the Norwegian capital Oslo in June 2005.
But the chief engineer's most memorable moment was the trip from Gothenburg to Stockholm. "We had the King and Queen [of Sweden] on board, which is something very special to all of us," he said. "It was a wonderful summer day, and the entire city of 200,000 people was out to cheer us."
On October 2, 2005, the Gotheborg embarked on the historical journey to China.
"It was a very special moment," said Nilsson, with obvious pride. "We have proved that she can sail -- she has been sailing without any problem,"
What was China like? "They treated us like heroes, movie stars. We are happy that our work has been recognised," Nilsson said.
How will he feel when the ship reaches back to Gothenburg in June?
"All of us would probably feel sad because it's will be over," said Nilsson. "But definitely we will feel proud to have completed it successfully. But we must reach home first because a sailor is always a little bit superstitious. We don't take anything for granted until we are there!"
Touch wood. I touched the ship.
Image courtesy SOIC
Advertisement
