On 18 March, Åland Post issues this year’s stamp in the Sepac series, a joint issue from the small European postal administrations. The motif depicts the museum ship Pommern, a proud symbol of Åland’s maritime heritage. Photographer Moein Eshghi captures the vessel in tranquil winter setting.
“Pommern is one of Åland’s best-known sights and was a natural choice for this year’s Sepac theme, iconic landmarks. This time, we wanted to show the ship in a different setting from the one we are used to during the lively summer season”, says Johanna Finne, Head of Communications & Stamps at Åland Post Stamps.
Sailing ship Pommern is unique in the world as the only preserved four-masted steel barque in its original condition. Built in Glasgow in 1906, she first sailed under German flag as Mneme. In 1923, Åland shipping magnate Gustaf Erikson bought the ship and, as S/S Pommern, she became one of the last sailing ships to carry wheat between Australia and Europe until 1939.
Pommern has been a museum ship since 1953, when she was donated to the city of Mariehamn by Gustaf Erikson’s children. From May to September, the Pommern is open to visitors. Closed during the winter, the ship is far from dormant as important maintenance work is in progress.
The stamp motif was shot by photographer Moein Eshghi, his first assignment for Åland Post.
“I took the photo on a calm and cold winter’s day on Åland. The beautiful contrast between the white snow, the dark lines of the ship and the light blue sky caught my attention. The sense of stillness and serenity in the scene made me press the shutter,” Eshghi says.
Name of issue: Sepac – iconic landmarks,Pommern
Date of issue: 18 March 2026
Photographer: Moein Eshghi
Design: Johanna Finne
Edition: 30 000
Denomination: €4.30
Price FDC: €5.30
Stamp size: 40 × 30 mm
Sheet size: 185 × 264 mm
Stamps/sheet: 2 × 12 stamps
Paper: 110 g/m²
Perforation: 12 per 2 cm
Process: 4-colour offset
Printer: Gutenberg AG
Order the stamp, first day cover and maximum card in the webshop.