Today, we are well aware that something is wrong with Vasa. A slow decomposition of Vasa’s wood has been in progress ever since she sank in 1628 and especially after the salvage operation in 1961 when she was raised and exposed to air. Researchers are currently busy working searching for the answers to the mystery of what how to stop Vasa’s decomposition. One thing we do know: Vasa will not be around forever, but research can make sure that the process takes place as slowly as possible.
The humidity of the air and the temperature surrounding the ship are important factors, but the issue is far more complicated than that. The ideal solution would be to display the ship in a dark, oxygen-free chamber. But then no one would get to see her. The fight for Vasa’s future is now on.
The research project “A Future for Vasa”
The international research project “A Future for Vasa” runs from 2008–2011. The museum is currently collaborating with the following institutions and researchers:
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Ingmar Persson
- Innventia AB, Stockholm, Dr Tommy Iversen
- Danish National Museum, Dr Henning Matthiesen
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Professor Lars Berglund
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Dr Monica Ek
Preserve Vasa
The international research project “Preserve Vasa” ran from 2003–2006. The museum collaborated with the following institutions and researchers:
- Stockholm University, Professor Magnus Sandström
- Danish National Museum, Dr Jens Glastrup
- University of Portsmouth, Dr Rod Eaton
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Thomas Nilsson
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Ingmar Persson
- Innventia AB, Stockholm, Dr Tommy Iversen
- SP-Trätek, Stockholm, Dr Magnus Wålinder
Evaluation of the Preserve the Vasa Project