A Danish Tall Ship is Set to Dock at South Street Seaport in September—and You're Invited Onboard

With its steel hull, three towering masts, and 26 sails, the Danish training vessel Danmark is sure to make a striking entrance when it arrives in New York City's harbor on September 16.

This isn't merely a casual stop: The Danmark will open its doors to visitors, offering insights into Denmark’s rich maritime heritage and engaging in discussions about modern sustainability challenges during Climate Week NYC 2022 (September 19–25). Coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly, this week aims to serve as 'an ambitious platform for our mission to drive climate action. Fast.'

Conservation and preservation are deeply rooted in Danish culture. According to Denmark’s official website, 'Sustainability means different things to different people.' For the Danes, it embodies a comprehensive approach that encompasses renewable energy, water management, waste recycling, and green transportation, including their strong biking culture.

The environmentally friendly Danmark will arrive at Pier 17 as a floating ambassador for sustainability, co-hosted by the South Street Seaport Museum and VisitDenmark. Usually docked in Frederikshavn, the ship continues to serve as a training vessel for young aspiring seMytourers. Currently, 80 cadets aged 17 to 23 are onboard, ready to share their experiences with visitors next month, alongside the ship’s crew of 15.

The Danmark will welcome visitors on Friday evening, September 23, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday afternoon, September 24, from 1 to 3:30 p.m.; guests can board the ship from the north side of Pier 17 at the seaport.

Launched in 1933 as a training vessel for the Danish merchant navy, the Danmark has made several trips to the United States. Notably, when Denmark was occupied by Germany on April 9, 1940, during World War II, the ship was docked in Jacksonville, Florida, where it remained to avoid German capture. After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the U.S. Coast Guard utilized the Danmark for training until December 1946, when it returned to Denmark.

Jonathan Boulware, president and CEO of the South Street Seaport Museum, located near Pier 17, stated that the Danmark will highlight “the direct link between the waterfront and New York's status as a global metropolis.”

Acknowledging the ship's numerous past visits to the Seaport, he expressed the museum's "hope and intent to host additional vessels" in the future.

The Consulate General of Denmark in New York, along with Danish organizations, is organizing a three-day expo, "Citizen Sustainability Summit," on the High Line in New York from September 19–21, featuring public programs focused on sustainability, livability, and inclusivity.