The Fredensborg was a Danish slave ship that had operated in the transatlantic slave trade, transporting enslaved Africans to various colonies from the 1760s. After its last voyage, the ship was anchored off Tromøya, Norway, where it experienced severe weather. On December 1, 1768, the Fredensborg sank due to a combination of harsh weather conditions and potentially compromised integrity of the vessel. The shipwreck became a subject of interest among maritime archaeologists and historians who sought to understand the historical context of the slave trade. The site of the shipwreck preserved the remains of the ship and its cargo, giving vital clues about the construction of 18th-century slave ships as well as insights into the lives of those it transported.

The location of the sinking off Tromøya is significant as it is close to maritime routes that were essential for trade at the time. Following its sinking, the Fredensborg remained largely forgotten until its discovery in the late 20th century. The excavation of the wreck revealed artifacts and skeletal remains, triggering discussions about the implications of the slave trade on society and culture. As a former commercial vessel involved in the forced transport of people, the Fredensborg serves as a somber reminder of the human cost of economic endeavors of that era.