Happy 45th Birthday, Gry Maritha
In June 1981, a small but mighty vessel was christened. For the first nine years of her life, she sailed through fjords before taking on a new role: keeping the Isles of Scilly connected to the mainland and serving as an essential lifeline for islanders.
Now, Gry Maritha is nearing the end of her remarkable service to communities.
Named after the daughter of its first captain, Tor Sevaldsen, the vessel has lived a parallel life to the woman whose name she carries. Now 45-years-old, Gry Maritha Selvesden reflects on the vessel whose name she carries.
“Seeing people in the UK being so connected to Gry Maritha brings me so much fulfilment, and I honestly feel proud that Gry Maritha, built in a small place in Norway in 1981, would end up meaning so much to so many people – who would have thought!
“I hope people remember Gry Maritha not just as a hardworking vessel, but as a ship that carried community, connection and care. If those values stay with people, then her story lives on.”
An article from the Norwegian newspaper, Brønnøysunds Avis, reported on the completion of the vessel’s construction. The headline, translated, reads “New Build for Bindal,” referencing the town where she was built.
One of the pieces translates to: “May good fortune and happiness follow you, Gry Maritha. We congratulate the shipping company on the vessel.”
A year-round service
Unlike passenger ferries that come and go with the seasons, freight vessels work year-round, often in challenging conditions, through rough seas and unpredictable weather. Reaching a 45-year milestone is no small feat in the maritime world. It’s a testament to the vessel’s solid construction and the dedication of the crews who have sailed her over the decades.
Their commitment and expertise have ensured that the Isles of Scilly could depend on this essential service for over three decades.
Jon Rundle served aboard Gry Maritha from 2017-2022, initially joining as chief officer before stepping up to the role of master.
He said: “The Gry crew are a family. The uniqueness of life of the Gry gives you all a bond of shared experience and trust that you don’t find very often. I would say that the Gry crew are a unique breed that will always go above and beyond to maintain the lifeline link.”
Dave Guy was part of the Gry Maritha’s crew nearly 25 years ago, covering relief trips as mate and master.
He said:
Gry Maritha was my first command, which as any captain will tell you, is a memorable milestone in your seagoing career.
Some of the most important jobs I remember were getting milk from the bottom of the gangway and starting breakfast as the rest of the team arrive to start their shift. Before moving onto the proper job – loading cargo and securing it before departing from Penzance Quay.
After arriving at St Mary’s, we would discharge the cargo and settle down for the night. Then, we’d be up early to backload and return to Penzance, again, wedged in the wheelhouse as we bounced our way back to the mainland.
A funny and memorable moment for me was when we arrived at St Mary’s and my cousin, Paul, looked up from the quay and suddenly realised it was me driving and not my father, Sam. His welcome consisted of “what do you think you’re doing!” but more colourfully put.
Another memory that has stayed with me was during one of the crossings where we watched the cormorants diving off the Runnel Stone.”
A trip down memory lane
We welcomed Charlie Cartwright, former Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s managing director, to Gry Maritha earlier this year. He was fundamental in introducing the vessel to the Isles of Scilly fleet. Charlie shared his memories from that time with marine superintendent Tom Weise and looked ahead to welcoming Menawethan to our fleet this summer.
Happy 45th birthday, Gry Maritha and thank you for 45 years of committed service.