The Training Ship ‘DANMARK’ to Dock at the Seaport in New York for UNGA and Climate Week

The ship, hosted by the South Street Seaport Museum, will dock at the city’s historic Seaport, New York’s original commercial hub located along the East River with views over the Brooklyn Bridge.

Starting Sunday 18 September and the following week, the ship will set the stage for events, including open ships, where visitors and New Yorkers can board ‘DANMARK’, see the full-rigged ship up close and talk to the 80 young cadets, who are currently training at the ship and have been sailing it across the Atlantic.

The Climate Week NYC 2022 voyage is part of Denmark’s journey towards sustainability. The intention is to use the climate-friendly training ship as a platform to inspire and invite dialogue on the issues of innovative and sustainable solutions that can support countries around the world in offering their citizens a better and greener quality of life.

Visit 'DANMARK' during 

The ship will be open to the public, with limited capacity, during the evening on Friday 23 September as well as the afternoon of Saturday 24 September. Guests can board the ‘DANMARK’ from the Seaport’s Pier 17 and will also be able to enjoy the view of the grand ship from some of the Pier’s many bars, restaurants and outside areas, including The Greens, The Rooftop at Pier 17’s Iconic open-air venue.

Just across FDR Drive, guests can also explore more of New York’s maritime history at the South Street Seaport Museum. The museum invites exploration of New York City by preserving and interpreting the origins of New York as a world port through its historic buildings, ships and collections.

​In addition to the presence of ‘DANMARK’ on Pier 17 at the Seaport, Denmark will be present at the Citizen Sustainability Summit on The High Line from the 19th to the 21st of September. The three-day summit aims to create a platform that invites informal dialogue between decision-makers and citizens with engaging talks and happenings throughout the event.​

'DANMARK' in the US

The Training Ship DANMARK is a small piece of both Danish and American history. It was launched in 1933 in Denmark to serve as a training ship for the Danish merchant navy. The vessel has visited the USA on several occasions, especially the East Coast. The longest visit was from 1939 to 1945 during World War II when the training ship served under The Stars and Stripes.

During World War II, Denmark became occupied on April 9, 1940, while the Training Ship ‘DANMARK’ was on a routine mission in U.S. waters. In agreement with the Danish Ambassador to the United States, the ship’s captain, Knud L. Hansen, placed his training ship at the disposal of the U.S. Government. However, U.S. neutrality prevented the acceptance of the offer until December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked. ​

From that point onward, and until the end of World War II, some 2,500 U.S. officer cadets received first-class training in responsible seamanship under Captain Knud L. Hansen’s capable leadership and strict discipline. Later, the cadets would serve in the U.S. Navy. ​

Today, the crew and trainees of the Training Ship ‘DANMARK’ are still met with great interest and gratitude by the American people. When ‘DANMARK’ docks in a U.S. harbor, enthusiastic local visitors are willing to wait for hours to visit the ship.