History
Evolution of Seafarers' Services in Antwerp
Support for seafarers in Antwerp has adapted over the years to economic and technological changes in the maritime sector.
Historical Development
The first initiatives to support seafarers began in 1818, mainly from church organisations, particularly English religious institutions. Seafarers were often exposed to difficult conditions, both on board and ashore, where they were often exploited. In 1870, various churches in Antwerp established their own seamen's homes. It was not until 1887 that the city of Antwerp decided to establish a neutral Seamen's Home. This Seamen's Home was officially opened in 1890 and offered not only accommodation, but also medical care, financial support and assistance in recruiting sailors.
During the two world wars, the Seamen's Home was temporarily used for other purposes, such as sheltering refugees and as a support centre for the Red Cross. After the Second World War, however, the building was outdated and in poor condition. In 1954, it was decided to build a new Seamen's Home on Falconrui. In addition to board and lodging, the new Seamen's Home also offered financial and moral support and played an active role in mediating the recruitment of sailors. In the 1960s, the so-called “golden years”, the port of Antwerp flourished, making the Seamen's Home an important place for sailors worldwide. It offered more and more services to help them with both professional and private problems.
Recent Developments
In the 1970s, the number of sailors staying at the Seamen's Home began to decline, partly due to the globalisation of shipping and increasing automation on board ships. Ships became larger and faster, and crews became smaller. Sailors came ashore less often, which meant that the traditional seamen's home was less able to fulfil its function. Services were increasingly moved to the ships themselves, and the role of welfare workers and chaplains became increasingly important in supporting seafarers not only psychologically and socially, but also practically: clothing, food, internet access and accommodation.
In 2013, the old Seamen's Home on Falconrui was demolished and replaced by the Antwerp Harbour Hotel on Noorderlaan. This hotel still provides accommodation for seafarers, but dock workers and tourists are also welcome. Crisis accommodation provided by the Antwerp Public Social Welfare Centre (OCMW) is also part of this. The new Seamen's Home now focuses more on offering temporary accommodation and services to seafarers who are ashore for a short period.
Technological advances and globalisation mean that seafarers now have less time to go ashore. In this context, cooperation between church authorities and welfare workers at the International Seamen's Home in Antwerp remains of great importance. Modern seamen's homes and welfare services remain crucial to the well-being of seafarers, who are experiencing an increasingly dynamic and demanding working environment.
