In 1986, the transformation into a restaurant began. Three years later, in 1989, it opened as Restaurant Oranje in Svendborg.
In 2016, the ship arrived in Nyhavn, and since 2019, it has been leased by gastro entrepreneurs Mikkel Irminger Sarbo and Robertas Paskauskas, the directors of the restaurant today.
The galley is now in the gifted hands of executive headchef André Wiedmayer — a well-traveled culinary talent with Michelin-star experience from Paris, London, and Copenhagen.
To this day, the ship is still officially listed as a cargo ship by the Danish Maritime Authority — in fact, it’s the fourth oldest veteran merchant vessel in the Danish fleet.
It’s recognized as worthy of preservation by the Wooden Shipowners’ Association.
The National Museum of Denmark has designated it as part of Denmark’s cultural heritage.
It has also been certified by the Ship Preservation Foundation.
Built in 1898? Then, what happened?
YES, Oranje was built in 1898 in the Netherlands, originally sailing as a cargo vessel across the waters of Northern Europe.
It arrived in Denmark in 1931 and made Nyord its home port. Worked as a so-called "merchant of the sea", transporting general goods, grain, animal feed, and fertilizer — right up until 1967.
For a while, it became the hopeful centerpiece of a dream to sail around the world.
In 1970, Jørgen Krahg Oranje became the ship’s new owner – and he still is! He brought it into the world of creative rebellion, taking part in the legendary Landing on Livø and other activist initiatives alongside artists and pioneering organic farmers.
After that, the ship became Jørgen’s houseboat and began a slow, careful restoration process.
Meet Our Suppliers!
We proudly present a selection of our great suppliers – all of whom helped us get the ship ‘sailing’! Click on their logos if you wish to know more!
