Ten years after the creation of Stadshaven (City Harbour or City Port), Antwerp’s historic harbour area has been transformed from a neglected and poorly regulated area into a thriving waterfront destination for residents, businesses, sports enthusiasts and visitors. City officials marked the anniversary on Tuesday by unveiling Stadshaven’s new patrol vessel, Pharus, which will be used for supervision and interventions on and around the water.
Stadshaven encompasses six historic docks in the Eilandje area as well as the Scheldt Quays, forming the oldest harbour area in Antwerp. The Stadshaven team was established in 2016 to bring order to the area, remove unsafe and abandoned vessels and improve safety along the docks and quays.
What began as a large-scale clean-up operation evolved into a broader programme focused on safety, quality and the public experience of the waterfront. Clear regulations were introduced, enforcement was strengthened and neglected vessels were removed from the area.
Over the past decade, Stadshaven has invested heavily in supervision, camera surveillance and cooperation with city services and other partners. Efforts were also made to improve water quality. Shore power facilities were installed at the docks, allowing vessels to connect to the electricity grid instead of relying on diesel generators. Measures were introduced to combat water pollution, while additional space was created for recreation and water tourism.
The marinas at Willemdok and Kempisch Dok recently regained the Blue Flag label, an international quality award recognising excellence in water quality, safety and cleanliness. In recent weeks, swimmers have also returned to ‘t ZwemDok, the open-air swimming area in the Bonapartedok next to the MAS museum.
As a result, the docks and quays have once again become places where people can live, work, exercise and relax.
“Ten years ago, we brought structure to the water,” said Stadshaven Harbour Master Werner Weijts. “Today, we are building a sustainable and versatile Stadshaven that reconnects Antwerp, its residents and the water.”
The anniversary celebrations also saw the official presentation of Pharus, Stadshaven’s new patrol boat. The previous vessel had reached the end of its operational life after a decade of service.
The new boat will be used for monitoring and intervention tasks across the waterfront. Equipped with a hybrid propulsion system, Pharus can operate entirely on electric power during slow patrols and inspections, while switching to a powerful petrol engine for urgent interventions or complex manoeuvres.
Antwerp’s growing reputation as a water city has also attracted increasing international attention in recent years. The city has become an important Flemish river cruise destination, and the cruise terminal at Het Steen has been expanded to accommodate growing demand. Antwerp expects to welcome around 1,000 river cruise vessels this year.
The city will also once again serve as a host port and departure point for The Tall Ships Races this summer, the international sailing competition that regularly attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Mayor Els van Doesburg (N-VA) said the Stadshaven project demonstrates Antwerp at its best.
“Stadshaven perfectly reflects what Antwerp stands for: a city that cherishes its rich maritime heritage and brings it back to life,” she said. “This district has grown into one of the most attractive urban areas in Flanders, where living, entrepreneurship and leisure activities go hand in hand with the water. Today, Stadshaven is more than ever a place to enjoy and to be proud of.”
City officials said Stadshaven will continue to focus in the coming years on strengthening life on and around the water, deepening the connection between Antwerp and its docks and quays, and enhancing the experience of the city on the Scheldt.
