The Faroe Islands issued a set of stamps on 22 February 1999 which depict mail and ferry steamers connecting the islands now and in the past.
The southernmost island of the Faroe Islands Suöuroy lies relatively far away from the other islands, and in former times it was quite isolated as communication, which had taken place by open boat across dangerous waters was difficult. Not least the postal service was particularly irregular. As trade flourished on the Faroes in the second half of the 19th century in connection with the abolition of the royal monopoly and the introduction of free trade, a great need for a more regular cargo, passenger and postal link between the islands arose. On Suöuroy in particular, sea fishing and dried cod production were expanded, and the village of Tvøroyri became the local point of the new economy development which would change Faroese society. It was also from here the initiative to establish a small regular service between the islands was taken.
In 1895 the J. Mortensen trading company in Tvøroyn had a small steamer built at Kochum Verkstad AB, Malmo, Sweden.
The ship which was given the name SMIRIL was put into service in January 1896.
As the ship had to serve almost all of the villages on the island, there was of course several days between departures. It was only possible for the steamer to come alongside the quay in a few places – in most places the ship had to remain at anchor while cargo and passengers were taken ashore by small ferryboats, a slow and difficult process. But this was however a great change – not at least for the postal service.
In 1917 the public Authorises took over SMIRIL. All four ships which have carried the name SMIRIL have since belonged to the public authorities.
Smiril is the Faroese name for a small bird of prey, the merlin.
SMIRIL (1) was built under yard no 72 by the Kockum Mekaniska Verkstad AB in Malmo, Sweden for Handelskompagniet A/S J. Mortensens Eft in Tvøroyri.
15 October 1895 launched under the name SMIRIL (1).
Tonnage 166 grt, 88 net, dim. 30.48 x 5.94 x 2.86m.
One compound 2-cyl. steam engine, manufactured by builder, 29 nhp., one shaft.
December 1895 completed. Building cost DKK 70,000.
17 December 1895 she arrived at Tvøroyri, Faroer Islands, and commenced service January 1896.
1917 Transferred to Færöernes Amts, Kommune, Thornshavn, and managed by Edw. Mitens.
1932 Sold to H. Thordarson, Copenhagen, renamed in SVERRIR.
1933 Sold to G. Gudlaugsson, Akareyri, Iceland, not renamed.
1936 Sold to Sigurdur Sumarlidsson, Akareyri.
1943 Sold to H/P Fakur, Reykjavik.
1955 Is given in Lloyds Register that the she was owned by H/F Sverrir in Keflavik, Iceland but she was out of class on owner’s request.
Fate unknown.
Faroe Islands 1999 4k50 sg357, scott?
Various Lloyds Registers. Info from the Faroer Post.