Evolution of inland navigation: from barge to Seafar

Hauling a barge in your clogs? Today’s athletes prefer the gym, but in the 17^th century, strong men and women did exactly that. They were the true engine of inland navigation. Nowadays, inland navigation is evolving rapidly, with remote-controlled ships leading the way.

Port operations

Toiling on the tow-path

The so-called tow barge is a popular mode of transport in the^17th century. Horses, and occasionally humans, pull these vessels, which transport passengers and goods like bulbs, mail, or bricks. The process of towing the ship is known as chasing.

Chasing is hard work. With a rope, the ship is pulled forward step by step along a tow-path, a narrow path beside the canal. Today, you can still find tow-paths along many canals. You no longer have to pull a tow barge, but can instead take a leisurely walk or cycle along the waterfront.

Een foto van een vrouw die een trekschuit voort trekt over een jaagpad in Holland.

Safe from highwaymen

Before the tow barge, people mostly travel by carriage. The poor road surface makes travel very uncomfortable. Furthermore, highwaymen lurk at every turn. People cross the water by sailboat, though delays are common when the wind blows the wrong way or when there is no wind at all. The tow barge, however, is a reliable and safe way to travel and therefore quickly increases in popularity.

Afbeelding ets met zicht op zeilschepen op de Schelde met in de achtergrond de Stad Antwerpen .

The canal between Willebroek and Brussels is among the first to be navigated by tow barges. It was dug to allow goods and people to travel more quickly. This canal saw its first tow barges as early as 1561.

Delayed? Money back!

Getting from Brussels to Willebroek requires five hours on the tow barge. On the plus side, you won't suffer any delays. Tow barges are very punctual. And if you do end up arriving late after all? Then the skipper has to give you your money back.

Travellers change to ‘De Heude’ in Willebroek, a sailing ship that takes them on to Antwerp. That journey is hazardous; strong currents regularly overturn ships. As a result, a brick road was later built to allow people to travel by carriage towards Antwerp.

Like trains, tow barges offer two classes. First-class travellers are seated at the front inside a wooden cabin. Second-class passengers have only a canopy for shelter and sit at the back of the ship. Those seeking extra comfort can pay a little extra for a cushion.

Since people are often confined together for long periods, these journeys often spark interesting conversations. Travel accounts of these journeys gave rise to a whole new literary genre known as “schuite-praatjes” ["barge talk"].

Reproductie van De Heu van Brussel met Antwerpen op de achtergrond door Wencelaus Hollar ui 1647. In de periode waarin deze prent gemaakt werd, was er een verbinding over water tussen Brussel en Antwerpen voorzien. Reizigers die in Brussel inscheepten op de trekschuit, moesten aan de Rupel overstappen op de Heu die hen verder naar Antwerpen bracht. Dit vaartuig, ook wel ‘heude’ genoemd.

Did you know?

Fishwives were charged twice as much for a ride on the tow barge. On account of their strong fishy smell, they were charged double.

Zeeschip, passagiersschip en binnenschepen op de Schelde ter hoogte van de Bonapartesluis. Achteraan een schip van de Red Star Line aan de Rijnkaai.

Outpaced by the train

With the arrival of the steam train in 1839, tow barges vanish from the canals and waterways. Travelling at 25 kilometres per hour, the first trains are over three times faster than tow barges. With which tow barges can't possibly compete. Steamboats and trains take over. Tow barges develop a bad reputation. This period gives rise to the well-known expression about "getting into the wrong boat".

foto's ontvangen van collega's via de 'Haven photo crew' whatsapp groep

Shift to train and ship

From now on, freight transport also goes by train or steamboat. We have come a long way since then. Port of Antwerp-Bruges strives to be a sustainable and innovative port. In line with this, the port is committed to achieving a modal shift. Goods are increasingly leaving the port via barge or train rather than truck. That means reduced traffic congestion and CO₂ emissions.

Today, the best navigation happens from ashore

To make the most of sustainable inland navigation, the Belgian company Seafar is developing technology that allows ships to sail autonomously. Through cameras on board, a captain can see from shore exactly where the ship is in order to steer it. The technology has been extensively tested and several ships are already using it.

On the larger barges, there is still a skipper on board who can intervene when necessary. However, the ship can also be steered remotely from Seafar’s office in downtown Antwerp. This reduces costs and increases the efficiency of inland navigation. This also enables inland skippers to maintain a healthier balance between onboard duties and life on shore.