Our family was born on the water
The passion for tugs has run through the Van Laken family's veins for four generations. We spoke with Patrick and his son Mathias, who represent the next generation of a family deeply rooted in the port.
150 years of towage services
For 150 years, the towage service has played a crucial role at the port. From steam to innovation, the evolution is impressive. This anniversary year, we look back on a rich history of craftsmanship and progress.
Read the interview
150 years of towage service
The story of the Antwerp towage service begins in 1863. Ships then no longer had to pay tolls on the Scheldt. The result: traffic on the river increased, and a towage service became necessary. On the Scheldt itself, a private company was operating; at the docks, a towage company through a concession from the City of Antwerp. On 2 June 1875, the Antwerp city council decided to purchase that company's three steam tugs and provide its own towage service.
From foremast to AI, our towage service continues to innovate
Today, 150 years later, the towage service is still alive and kicking. The service has evolved considerably in the meantime, though. For example, the first wooden tugs ran on steam, whereas we are now testing new technologies such as hydrogen, methanol and electrically powered steel tugs.
Onboard communications have also made some great strides. In 1875, you called for a tug by hoisting a Belgian flag on the foremast. Today, AI and innovative digital tools support planning. And whereas, in the early years, tugs towed an average of 4,000 ships annually, by 2024 it was nearly 21,000.
The power behind the towage service
To carry out all those towage operations, the towage service owns 19 vessels. It employs a total of about 350 employees, spread across Fleet Operations, Technical Fleet and other departments. Together, these ensure that even the biggest sea giants can enter the port safely.
For all of 2025, we will be putting the towage service in the spotlight.
Mathias and Patrick Van Laken both share a connection to the port
What sparked the passion for tugs in your family?
Patrick: "The Van Lakens are traditionally bargemasters. Our family was born on the water After my father’s birth, my grandparents went ashore. My grandmother was afraid of water. Frans, my grandfather, then became a captain on a tug. That marked the start of his fascination with tugs. He passed that passion down to the next generations."
What makes tugboats so special?
Patrick: “Sailing a tug requires a great deal of agility. A single incorrect manoeuvre can result in the vessel colliding with the shore or a bridge."
Mathias: "My passion started as a young boy when I was lucky enough to sail on a tug at night with my uncle. I can still picture the many lights from the tank installations as we passed them. They resembled small towns."
The camaraderie among colleagues is fantastic. I hope to remain here until I retire.
Patrick and Mathias Van Laken,Born on the water
Though you don't work on a tug, right?
Patrick: "I have an engineering degree. In just two years, I worked my way up to ship's engineer on a hopper. On a tug, that took 15 years."
Mathias: “Originally, I didn't want to work in the port at all. What I saw looked pretty old-fashioned, and that pushed me to start studying metalworking. Later on, I developed a taste for it after hearing stories from my parents and friends. I was able to start as boat man at the locks. Today, I am port authority supervisor. Incidentally, the port has since become a very modern environment."
Are there any other differences you’ve picked up on?
Patrick: “Operating a tug used to be a lot more dangerous. These vessels used to be equipped with ordinary propellers. Turbulence generated by the propellers often made the vessel list, heightening the danger of capsizing. Today's vessels are much safer. There is now a much stronger emphasis on personal safety, with protective gear such as helmets, high-visibility jackets, and life jackets becoming standard. That wasn’t the case in the past."
Mathias: “The hazardous nature of the work also led to noticeably rougher interactions among the crew. My father once took a pie to the head for repeating the same mistake a few times. That wouldn't happen today. Today we still communicate straightforwardly, but respectfully."
Looking back, are you still happy with your decision to work at the port?
Mathias: "Yes, the camaraderie among colleagues is fantastic. I hope to remain here until I retire."
Patrick: "When my father asked me that question, I gave the exact same answer."
Do you hope that future generations will also inherit your love of tugs?
Mathias: "I’m not one to push, but if my kids have even a hint of my genes, there’s a good chance they’ll find themselves on a tug one day."
Patrick: “And if not, granddad will lend a hand (laughs)."
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