Oude havenkranen, Historic port cranes in Antwerp, Belgium
The Oude Havenkranen are a collection of 15 industrial cranes positioned along the Scheldt River, each representing different engineering designs and construction methods. They span from 1907 to 1963 and were built by various manufacturers, giving the site a diverse appearance.
The first crane in Antwerp appeared in 1263 when wooden treadmill mechanisms were installed for merchants to use. The industrial revolution of the early 1900s brought mechanical cranes that transformed port efficiency and remained in use for decades.
The cranes represent the working methods that port laborers used to move cargo on and off ships during Antwerp's busiest maritime decades. They stand as a reminder of how this area powered the city's economy and connected it to the world through trade.
The cranes are located on Rijnkaai near Hangars 26 and 27, positioned right along the riverfront and easy to reach on foot. The site is open to walk around freely, and the nearby MAS museum offers guided visits if you want more detailed information about what you are seeing.
One of the most striking is a restored 10-ton hand crane from 1884 made by Stuckenholz, which once moved heavy cargo with manual effort. This small machine reveals how workers relied on clever mechanical design before fully automated lifting became possible.
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