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Viking Ship Center Claims $6,000 in Damages from 'The Odyssey' Production

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Viking Center of Värmland in Sweden is demanding $6,000 from the production company of 'The Odyssey' for damages to a historic Viking ship.
  • The ship, 'Glad av Gillberga,' was rented in late 2024 and returned with hull cracks, rigging issues, and paint wear, impacting the center's tourism operations.
  • Universal Pictures disputes the claim, stating all agreed-upon fees for rental and repairs were paid, while the center insists it has not received reimbursement for the repairs.

The Viking Center of Värmland in Sweden is seeking $6,000 in compensation from Universal Pictures for alleged damages to its historic Viking ship, the 'Glad av Gillberga.' The vessel was rented to a subsidiary of the film studio in late 2024 for use in the production of 'The Odyssey.' The dispute has reportedly disrupted the cultural center's summer tourism season.

According to reports, the 18-meter-long ship returned from its filming location in the Mediterranean with significant wear, including cracks in the hull, faulty rigging, and damaged paint. The center's president, Peter Olausson, stated that the rental agreement stipulated the ship be returned in good condition. The center's volunteers carried out the necessary repairs and submitted the invoice for materials in December 2025.

The contract stipulated returning the ship in good condition.

— Peter OlaussonThe president of the Viking Center of Värmland explaining the basis of their claim against Universal Pictures.

Universal Pictures has refuted the non-payment accusation, asserting that all contractual obligations for the ship's rental and subsequent repairs have been fulfilled. A studio spokesperson indicated ongoing communication with the Värmland center to resolve any financial disagreements. However, the Swedish center maintains that it has not received the reimbursement for the repair costs. The 'Glad av Gillberga' was featured in the opening sequences of 'The Odyssey,' depicting Odysseus' fleet departing from Troy. The ship, built in 1998 using traditional craftsmanship, is typically used for educational activities and tours in Sweden.

We paid the full amount agreed upon for the rental and repair of the boat.

— Universal Pictures spokespersonA representative from Universal Pictures stating their position on the financial dispute with the Viking Center.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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