The Orkan is expected to arrive in Vila Real de Santo António on 17 August, where it will begin a journey along the Portuguese coast.

The ship is expected to reach the Algarve between 5.45pm and 6.45pm, with a welcoming ceremony planned for 7.15pm. Representatives from the municipality, maritime authorities and the local nautical community are expected to attend.

The exact arrival time may change depending on weather and sea conditions.

National journey

Built by French collective Bátar, the Orkan measures around 28 metres in length and six metres in width, with a sail area of 184 square metres.

While its appearance and construction take inspiration from historic Viking ships, it also uses modern solutions to make it suitable for long-distance expeditions.

Vila Real de Santo António will be the first stop on its journey through Portugal. From the Algarve, the Orkan will continue north, stopping in Sines, Setúbal, Lisbon and Peniche before reaching Porto.

But the Portuguese journey is also preparation for something considerably more ambitious.

The 2026 expedition will be used to test the ship and prepare its crew for a planned crossing of the North Atlantic next year. Bátar hopes to sail the Orkan to New York in 2027, following a northern route.

Traditional exploration

The project behind the vessel dates back to 2011, when Bátar began building replicas inspired by Viking ships and exploring traditional shipbuilding and navigation techniques.

Since 2020, the group has been organising maritime expeditions to put its vessels to the test and train crews for longer journeys. The Orkan marks the next stage of the project, with a larger vessel designed for more challenging expeditions.

For people in the Algarve, however, there will first be the opportunity to see the unusual ship much closer to home when it arrives in Vila Real de Santo António on Monday.