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The Ship  


"Phoenicia" will attempt to re-create the Phoenicians' epic voyage around the continent of Africa in a traditionally built replica Phoenician / Mediterranean vessel.

 

Research and Design
Over the last two years the Phoenicia team have been researching archaeological data of the Phoenician era.  Having researched the type of vessel which would have been used for such a voyage, a number of leading maritime archaeologists and historians have been consulted to develop the design specification based on archaeological data from shipwrecks of this era (predominately the detail of Jules Verne 7 & M'agan Michael wrecks).



The Phoenicia Ship
Elevation Plan


Shipwrecks found in the Mediterranean have provided detail as to the likely dimensions and construction methods used within ships of this era.  Other artefacts such as coins and pottery have also been examined in a thorough investigation of Phoenician artefacts to ensure that the design and construction techniques for this replica vessel will be authentic

 

Building the Ship
Khalid Hammoud, a renowned wooden shipbuilder, has been selected from a number of candidates to manage the construction of the replica vessel in the ancient Phoenician city state of Arwad.  Khalid works with a small team of shipwrights and 5-10 people will be working on the ship at any one time.  The build process will be assisted by regular visits from members of the design team.


Khalid Hammoud
The Phoenicia ship builder


Khalid and his team will use traditionally sourced materials (including Aleppo pine, handmade olive wood tenons and iron nails) according to the design specification.  Information on the materials has been sourced from shipwrecks of this era including an exclusive study on the Jules Verne 7 shipwreck, courtesy of Professor Patrice Pomey.

Ship Specifications


   Initial dimensions - these are subject to change

Ship Building Progress
The ship building began in mid November 2007 on Arwad Island when the keel of the Phoenicia was laid.  Whilst there are many technical challenges ahead "Phoenicia" is beginning to take shape.  See the latest images of the ship in our Photo Gallery .

Please visit us regularly for updates of the ship building progress and register for the Phoenicia Newsletter

 

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