Archaeologists recently discovered the wreck of a large medieval cargo ship on the seafloor off the Danish coast, offering new insights into medieval trade and maritime life. The shipwreck, dubbed Svaelget 2 by researchers, was found during a seabed survey conducted in preparation for a construction project in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The vessel rested on its side, partially buried in the sand, approximately 12 meters below the surface of the Øresund, the strait separating Denmark and Sweden. Through dendrochronology, the analysis of tree rings, archaeologists determined the ship was constructed around 1410 CE. By comparing the tree rings in the wrecks wooden planks and timbers with rings from other, precisely dated tree samples, the archaeologists concluded that the ship had been built around 1410 CE.

Svaelget 2 is identified as a cog, a type of merchant ship common during the medieval period. Cogs were characterized by their wide, flat bottoms, high sides, open cargo holds, and single square sail. The ship's original name has been lost to history.

The discovery provides valuable data for understanding medieval maritime commerce and shipbuilding techniques. The size of Svaelget 2 suggests a significant capacity for cargo, indicating the scale of trade in the region during the 15th century. Further analysis of the shipwreck and any artifacts found within could reveal details about the types of goods transported, the routes traveled, and the lives of the sailors who crewed the vessel. The Viking Ship Museum provided the credit for the image of the Skaelget 2 shipwreck, with a diver for scale.