Pommern is Åland’s most beloved landmark, a symbol for the sea and the Åland shipping tradition. In 2016, to safeguard the long-term preservation of Pommern, the Town of Mariehamn decided to commission the building of a bespoke dock for Pommern and her particular needs.

The dock gives us perfect possibilities to make Pommern a first-rate tourist attraction and to preserve her to the highest professional standards. In addition to that, it is a great asset when it comes to lift Pommern’s international heritage status and to develop the Western Harbour.

The Pommern Dock is built to meet Pommern’s specific needs. It has the shape of a ship, with a clear “prow” and it is fitted with keel blocks and fenders for docking. The “stern” of the dock is shaped to fit the caisson’s special u-shape. Pommern will lie afloat in her dock most of the time. We will only dry out the dock for inspections and maintenance work on the hull. If possible, we will offer our visitors to go down into the dock and admire Pommern from a slightly different perspective.

There are many docks being built around the world but what makes the Pommern Dock special is that it is build out in the water, not dug into land. To build in this fashion puts high demands on the construction’s solidity and the contractor’s professional skills. That’s why we’re pleased that it was the local company Eriksson ByggAb, with their unmatched experience of underwater constructions that won the building contract. The dock has already attracted a lot of attention internationally and will become a tourist attraction in its own right.