SS Hjejlen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
SS Hjejlen (Danish for The Golden Plover) is the world's oldest coal burning operational paddle steamer,[1] built in 1861 by Baumgarten & Burmeister, commissioned by a group of citizens headed by paper manufacturer Michael Drewsen.[2] She is used to carry tourists between Silkeborg and Himmelbjerget, but in 1932 she also became a public mail boat.[3]
Hjejlen in Silkeborg, 2005 | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | Hjejlen |
| Owner | Hjejleselskabet |
| Route | Silkeborg – Himmelbjerget |
| Builder | Baumgarten & Burmeister |
| Completed | 1861 |
| Maiden voyage | 11 June 1861 |
| In service | 24 June 1861 |
| Status | Active |
| General characteristics | |
| Class & type | Paddle steamer |
| Length | 25.7 m (84 ft) |
| Beam | 3.8 m (12 ft) |
| Draft | 1.7 m (5.6 ft) |
| Speed | 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph) |
| Capacity | 165 |
| Crew | 4 |
Engine
Hjejlen's steam engine has two cylinders, each with a bore of 10 cm (3.9 in) and a stroke of 42 cm (17 in). The engine yields 40 horsepower (30 kW) and propels the vessel at up to 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph).[4]
Hjejlen's 150th anniversary
In 2011 Hjejlen celebrated her 150th anniversary with Queen Margrethe II in attendance.[5] A commemorative coin was issued by the National Bank of Denmark.[6]
