Excavations at an 18th-century shipwreck off the coast of Norway are set to continue next year after scientists recovered Chinese porcelain and other historic artifacts in May. 

Parts of what researchers describe as the best-preserved shipwreck ever discovered in Northern Europe are now on display at the Norwegian Maritime Museum in Oslo.

The shipwreck, which has remained underwater for more than 250 years, is in remarkable condition, says archaeologist Sven Ahrens, Director of Research at the Norwegian Maritime Museum.

'Perfectly preserved'

"Many of the objects, for example this cup, are almost perfectly preserved. We believe that it might have been produced in Jingdezhen in China," explains Ahrens.

Among the most striking discoveries is Chinese porcelain featuring a distinctive Batavia-style design.

Unlike most historic shipwrecks, which are typically discovered at depths of 10 to 30 meters, this vessel lies 600 meters below the surface. Researchers say the cold water and the absence of shipworms helped preserve both the ship and its cargo.

The wreck was discovered by Norwegian watchmaker and diving enthusiast Espen Saastad, who described the moment his team first spotted signs of the ship on the seabed.

"After maybe half an hour or an hour, we started to see small objects on the seabed. First on the sonar, some hard objects, and then after we come closer and we saw the small objects on the camera. We didn't know exactly what we were looking for," says Saastad.

The diving enthusiast later partnered with the Norwegian Maritime Museum to recover artifacts using remotely operated vehicles, marking the first such operation in Northern Europe.

For the shipwreck hunter, the find is unlike any other.

"This is the most amazing find that we ever did. It's like a time capsule on the seabed. The wreck is completely intact," says a beaming Saastad.

'A great puzzle'

Researchers believe the ship sank around 1750, a period when European consumer demand was growing rapidly and expanding global trade networks were transporting everything from raw materials to luxury goods. The vessel may have been part of this flourishing maritime commerce.

Despite the discoveries, many questions remain. Scientists have yet to determine exactly where the ship originated or what its final destination was.

So far, researchers have recovered only a fraction of the cargo, including porcelain, chandeliers and grain, all of which must undergo desalination before they can be studied and displayed.

"Every find that we have made is part of a great puzzle, a jigsaw. Every piece has to be put together to solve the whole mystery about the trade route of this ship," says Ahrens.

The long-term goal is to create a larger permanent exhibition at the Norwegian Maritime Museum in Oslo. Until then, visitors can view a selection of the recovered artifacts on display through the end of summer.