SS Hjejlen (Danish for The Golden Plover) is the world's oldest coal burning operational paddle steamers,[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
NameHjejlen
OwnerHjejleselskabet
RouteSilkeborgHimmelbjerget
BuilderBaumgarten & Burmeister
Completed1861
Maiden voyage11 June 1861
In service24 June 1861
StatusActive
General characteristics
Class and typePaddle steamer
Length25.7 m (84 ft)
Beam3.8 m (12 ft)
Draft1.7 m (5.6 ft)
Speed8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph)
Capacity165
Crew4

Engine

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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

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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]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Hjejlen". Hjejlen society. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  2. ^ "Hjejlen fylder 150 år" (in Danish). Hjejlen committee. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  3. ^ "Hjejlen". Den Store Danske Encyklopædi (in Danish). Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  4. ^ "EMC Agreement Caps Hjejlen's 150th Jubilee". MAN Diesel & Turbo. Retrieved 5 September 2011.
  5. ^ "Dronningen fejrer Hjejlens 150 årsdag". DR (in Danish). 25 June 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2011.
  6. ^ "Hjejlen" (PDF). National Bank of Denmark. 7 June 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2011.