The resident Christine af Bro completed her maiden voyage in 2005 and has since been a tourist attraction and has made both regular and chartered tours in Lake Vänern. But because the boat, which is the world’s only floating urban weapon, is built of wood, extensive maintenance work has also been required. Since 2005, maintenance and operating costs have landed at just over SEK 23.5 million.
Last summer, the Transport Board decided that the berth was no longer seaworthy because large parts of the main deck had rotted and the politicians have disagreed on what should happen next.
Several options for the future of the settlement
On Monday, the issue was on the municipal board’s table, where there were several options to consider. It is about renovating and procuring the operation, selling, turning into a museum on land, donating to a foundation without the municipality retaining any responsibility – or doing nothing at all.
No decision was made, but instead the above-mentioned proposal is first sent out for referral to the cultural committee and the municipal business company Närsam. In addition, the group leaders of all parties must discuss the future of the settlement among themselves in the meantime.
In the video, Lars Nilsson (S) talks about what is happening most closely in the matter.