Restored Ghent Barge Sails from Zelzate to Ghent Tomorrow

Ghent (Eurotoday) – The restoration of the Ghent Barge has been completed, and tomorrow, the historic ship will begin its journey back from Zelzate to Ghent. Designed in the opulent style of the 18th century, the vessel features golden embellishments and a striking female figurehead.

Work on the Ghent Barge, a replica of an 18th-century ship, has wrapped up after several months of meticulous restoration. The ship, known for its elaborate female ornamentation and the signature “Virgin of Ghent” figurehead, will be returned to its home berth at the old Palace of Justice in Ghent following its voyage along Flanders’ waterways.

A team of 25 dedicated volunteers undertook the extensive cleaning and repair work, which included removing marine growth and restoring the large wooden rudder. Originally built over two decades ago by Ghent folk singer Walter de Buck, the barge will travel along the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, the Ringvaart, and the Leie River on its return voyage.

The scope and intensity of the work were described by volunteer Karel De Wilde:

“When a ship is in the water for a long time, there is a lot of growth on the bottom, such as mussels,”

De Wilde continued:

“They all have to be removed by hand. The figurehead, the Virgin of Ghent, has also been taken care of, because she was no longer in such good condition. Now you will see that she has been given a completely new look.”

“The rudder was also in urgent need of renovation. It is a large, wooden rudder at the back of the ship. But after 22 years it also had to be tackled.”

“We will sail via the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, then onto the Ringvaart, and finally enter Ghent via the Leie. The ship was launched from the dry dock this afternoon, and tomorrow we will sail to Ghent. We hope to be at the permanent mooring by tomorrow evening.”

“The barge was traditionally a ship pulled by horses. But in the meantime, our ship is equipped with modern engines and technology.”

What is the historical significance of the Ghent Barge?

The Ghent Barge is a faithful replica of an 18th-century vessel that once transported passengers and goods throughout the waterways of Flanders. Revived in the late 1990s by Walter de Buck, the barge was constructed to honor Ghent’s storied maritime history.

The ship features intricate golden detailing and the symbolic “Virgin of Ghent” figurehead, intended to reflect the city’s rich tradition of craftsmanship and commerce. Maintenance is essential for the vessel due to its wooden composition and long periods spent in water. The hull was previously serviced in 2015, making this latest renovation the most extensive in over a decade.

In 2010, the ship underwent limited repairs during another dry-docking session. Since then, it has played a prominent role in local cultural events, including the Ghent Festivities, where it hosted concerts and historical reenactments showcasing old river transport methods.

With its restoration now complete, the Ghent Barge is expected to resume its cultural role amid summer celebrations, reaffirming its place as a cherished symbol of Ghent’s heritage and community spirit.