No study of such a ship has previously been made in Sweden. The problems are presented as a number of partial aims concerning dating, naval technology analyses of hull and rig functions, contents of the cargo and its origin, as shown by owner's marks registered in Hanseatic towns, and consequent conclusions of sea routes. Another problem is the contents of the cargo in relation to the trade policy of the 1540's and 50's, during the reign of Gustavus Vasa. The complex of problems also include the social strata aboard the ship, and the living conditions of those on board. The overall purpose is to solve these partial problems.
Methodological bases are alike.
The artefact material provides the obvious and central basis of the formation of theories. The source material consists of 1306 objects, put together in different object groups. The findings of the excavations have been studied for 15 years, partly on the excavation site, partly in institutions. Specially selected and recovered constructional parts form a basis for classification of the vessel, in relation to hull measures and mapping. The dendrochronological result was made up with typological elements.