The Antwerp Dry Docks may still be unfamiliar to many, but they have everything needed to become Antwerp’s newest waterfront hotspot. Located in the north of the city, the site is steeped in port history. Ships once arrived and departed here, underwent repairs, and were prepared for new journeys. Today, it’s a vast site with impressive docks and valuable industrial heritage. Over the coming years, it will continue to develop into a vibrant new district with a strong maritime character.
What is a dry dock?
Dry docks are large basins that can be pumped dry, allowing ships to stand on dry land while repairs are carried out. A system of blocks and supports holds the ship in place while skilled craftsmen carry out their work. Once repairs are complete, the dock is refilled with water and the ship can sail away. It’s a fascinating feat of engineering.
The history of the Antwerp Dry Docks
Ship repair along the River Scheldt began as early as the nineteenth century. With the development of the modern port came a series of impressive dry docks. The first dock on the western quay of Kattendijk Dock was built in 1863. The site was later expanded to include ten docks, complete with distinctive Art Deco pump houses. Workshops for boilermaking, carpentry, and blacksmithing were built around the docks. In 2018, ship repair operations came to an end, leaving behind these vast docks as a unique piece of industrial and maritime heritage.
Where are the Dry Docks located?
The Dry Docks are located between Antwerp’s trendy Eilandje district and the imposing Port House. The area is bordered by the River Scheldt, the Royers Lock (Royerssluis), Kattendijk Dock (Kattendijkdok) and Sas Dock (Sasdok). Covering 11 hectares, it’s home to nine historic dry docks – the largest concentration of its kind in Europe! The site also includes two large building complexes, pump houses, warehouses, and several smaller buildings. There are even old nuclear fallout shelters dating back to the Cold War era. On the opposite side of Sloepenweg, the Dry Docks Park (Droogdokkenpark) along the Scheldt has already become a popular spot to enjoy the waterfront and take in the fresh air.
The Dry Docks today
Ship repair may be a thing of the past, but the Dry Docks are very much alive. Today, the site is home to workshops and creative spaces for young and experienced restorers, artists, makers, and students. Here, craftsmanship and creativity come together around maritime collections, traditional trades, and the arts.
A dedicated team of volunteers helps restore historic boats, while several organisations offer guided tours of the site and its remarkable vessels. Children and young people can enjoy unforgettable adventures at Stormkop and events such as Heritage Day and Open Monument Day. The immersive visitor centre Havenwereld (Port World) will soon open its doors as the first major attraction of the renewed Dry Docks
Future of the Dry Docks
The Dry Docks are set to become one of Antwerp’s most exciting new maritime destinations. The site's industrial heritage will be preserved, ensuring its raw and authentic character remains tangible. Imagine watching ship restorers at work, stepping aboard historic vessels, taking a boat trip through the port, enjoying the waterfront, attending festivals, going camping, creating theatre, watching circus performances, or perhaps even swimming in one of the vast docks on a warm summer's day.
Come to the opening weekend
Be among the first to explore the Dry Docks and visit the brand-new Havenwereld visitor centre during the opening weekend on 11 December. Workshops, guided walks, and a variety of activities for all ages will be held throughout the weekend.