Faroese volunteer says one year aboard equals 10 ashore

Kringvarp Føroya reported that six Faroese people are serving aboard Logos Hope, the former Norrøna, which arrived at the harbour yesterday. One of them, Jóhanna Hendriksdóttir Olsen, said she learns as much in one year aboard the ship as she would in 10 years in the labour market at home.

The mission ship received a large welcome on the western quay, including a performance by the Tórshavn Brass Band and speeches. The public can visit the ship and take organised tours during the weekend and next week, first at the harbour and later in Klaksvík.

Among the 300 people currently aboard are six Faroese crew members. KVF interviewed captain Jákup Godtfred, chief engineer Eirikur Lauritsen and Jóhanna Hendriksdóttir Olsen, who works with stores in the ship’s kitchen.

Godtfred said it was a good and special feeling to arrive at the harbour and receive such a warm welcome.

Lauritsen said the ship’s main engines are the same ones used when it was called Norrøna. They are more than 50 years old but have been well maintained, while the auxiliary engines are new.

“This is the fourth time I have been aboard Logos Hope. The first time, I met my wife, who is from Mexico. We now live in Miðvágur,” Lauritsen said.

Olsen, who is from Lamba, previously spent three months aboard the ship earlier this year. She has now joined for a full year.

“Someone said that we learn as much in one year aboard here as in 10 years in the labour market at home, and I have to agree,” she said.

The volunteers work eight hours a day, five days a week, and pay a monthly fee to serve aboard. One-third of Logos Hope’s income comes from the volunteers, one-third from the bookshop aboard the ship and one-third from financial support.

Olsen said faith shapes life aboard the ship and makes it easy for the crew to get along. Crew members share rooms and have little private life, she said, but people also respect the need for privacy when it arises.