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© Victoriano Moreno

Water-rAnt 2019

Water-rAnt is assembling one hundred and fifteen authentic ships from Antwerp, the harbour and the Scheldt river's delta. You'll become acquainted with more than thirty maritime heritage and nautical organisations. There's an extensive programme at the 'Droogdokken' (Dry Dock site) and all sorts of things to experience around the MAS!

At the Dry Docks site:

  • A walking excursion along and amongst the docks (guided tour)
  • Visit the ship workshop at the MAS in the former Boilermaker area
  • Film: 'The last months in Algemeen Werkhuis Noord' 
  • Guided Tour: The cog in intensive care 
  • Activities for children and families at STORMKOP

Around the MAS:

  • Demonstration of the Stuckenholz manual crane. This manual crane from 1884 was originally installed on a railcar. In 1912 it was permanently affixed to the Lobroedok. Since 2011 it stands as a monument alongside the MAS.
  • And, perhaps the Grain Elevator shall indeed return...

Practical info

  • Participation in the activities is free of charge.
  • You make reservations on the spot, that very day.

The Dry Docks site

A raw and rusty area lies along the frayed fault line between the city and the harbour. This place lives and breathes with the history of the harbour. There are nine historic dry docks to be found here (three from 1863, three from 1878 and three from 1930), two workshops for ship restorations of the Algemeen Werkhuis Noord (AWN), one old pump house protected as a monument from 1861-1863 (rebuilt in 1895) …

Up until the start of 2018, hard work was done here. Ships were coming and going for repairs in a dry dock. However, the workings on historic ships is continued without interruption. The collection of ships from the MAS moved from the Scheldt quays to a protected shelter on the premises. They are cared for and maintained behind the scenes.

The site also houses STORMKOP, an adventuresome game, fantasy and activity space with a focus on 6 to 12 year-olds, where family members, friends and other interested peoples are also welcome.

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