Åland Post continues the passenger ferry series in 2010. The M/S PRINSESSAN of Birka Line and the M/S SKANDIA of the Silja Line have been painted by the artist Håkan Sjöström, and after this paintings the stamps were designed.
Founded in Mariehamn in 1971, the business idea of Birka Line was to arrange short distance cruises between Sweden and Aland ail the year round.
In November that same year, the first passenger ship, Danish M/S Prinsessen, was purchased.
Built in Denmark in 1957, Prinsessan had a capacity of 1 200 passengers and 35 cars.
Her original name was Prinsesse Margrethe and she was renamed Prinsessen in 1968 before Birka Line changed her name once more in 1971, this time to Prinsessan (the princess).
PRINSESSAN: Built as a passenger ferry under yard No 332 by Helsinger Skibs & Maskinbygg A/S, Helsingor, Denmark for the DFDS A/S Köpenhamn, Denmark.
11 March 1955 ordered.
31 August 1956 keel laid down.
20 December 1956 launched under the name PRINSESSE MARGRETHE.
Tonnage 5,061 grt, 2,460 net, 994 dwt., dim. 121.03 x 16.18 x 8.55m. length bpp. 106.50m., draught 4.88m.
Powered by two 2SA 8-cyl. B7W 850-VBF-90 diesel engines, 7,300 bhp., speed 20 knots.
Accommodation for 117 first, 278 second and 805 deck passengers. Could carry 35 cars.
From 09 till 11 May 1957 trials.
24 May 1957 delivered to owners. Building cost D Kr23,256,000.
She was the first Danish ship fitted out with stabilizers.
28 May 1957 she made her first voyage with invited guests.
From 30 May 1957 until 21 September 1968 in the service between Copenhagen and Oslo.
08 May 1968 until 24 May 1968 service temporarily between Landskrona and Oslo during a strike among mates and telegraphers.
20 August 1968 renamed PRINSESSEN, where after she was laid up.
21 December 1968 until 08 January 1969 again in the service between Copenhagen and Oslo.
13 June 1969 until 21 September 1969 in the service between Esbjerg and Newcastle, U.K.
23 September until 10 May 1970 in the service between Copenhagen and Aalborg.
02 April 1970 until 22 April 1970 in dry-dock at Elsinore, her black hull was changed to a grey painted hull.
22 April 1970 until 10 May 1970 again in the service Copenhagen to Aalborg.
10 May 1970 until 28 May 1970 in the service between Copenhagen and Arhus.
05 June 1970 until 10 June 1970 service Copenhagen to Oslo.
12 June 1970 until 19 September 1970 in the service between Esbjerg and Newcastle.
01 February 1971 until 12 February 1971 in the service between Copenhagen and Oslo.
Thereafter again in the service between Esbjerg and Newcastle from 30 April 1971until 28 September 1971.
18 October 1971 arrived in Frederikshavn for docking before her sale.
12 November 1971 sold for Kr 10,450,000 to Rederi A/B Birka Line (B.Husell) at Mariehamn, Aland Islands.16 November 1971 delivered to new owner and renamed PRINSESSAN.
20 November 1971 one day cruises: Stockholm to Mariahamn.
1972 Taken over by Rederi A/B Flipper (B Husell), Mariahamn.
1973 Transferred to Birka Line A/B (Bror Husell), Mariahamn.
13 December 1977 renamed in PRINSEN, and laid up in Mariahamn.
30 May 1978 sold to Fayez Trading & Shipping Establishment, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and renamed WID.
07 January 1980 damaged by fire while under repair at Malta Dry-docks, Valetta.
16 February 1980 after repair left Valetta for Suez, after arrival Suez used in the service between Suez and Jeddah.
28 March 1987 Arrived at Gadani Beach, Pakistan for demolition.
30 March 1987 scrapping work commenced by Molasses Trading & Export in Pakistan.
Aland 2010 3.50 Euro sg?, scott?
Source: http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/prinsesse_m ... e_1957.htm DFDS 1866-1991 by Thorøe, Simonsen, Krogh-Andersen, Frerdericsen and Vaupel.