Mercator

Mercator is a three-masted sailing ship permanently moored in the marina of Ostend, right between the railway station and the town hall. Recognized as one of the city's most iconic landmarks, it draws thousands of visitors every year and holds protected monument status.

Where does the ship's name come from?

The vessel was designed by Adrien de Gerlache, the celebrated Belgian polar explorer, as a training ship for future officers of the merchant marine. It was built at a shipyard in Leith, Scotland, and launched in 1932. Its name honors Gerardus Mercator, the famous Flemish cartographer, whose legacy is often invoked in Belgian symbols tied to seafaring and navigation.

What role did the Mercator play as a training ship?

From 1932 to 1960, the Mercator served as a school ship where successive generations of Belgian merchant marine officers received their practical training. Young cadets learned seamanship, rigging work, and naval discipline aboard her before moving on to careers on commercial vessels.

What type of rig does the Mercator carry?

The Mercator is rigged as a barque, a mixed sail configuration in which the foremast and fore-topmast carry square sails set perpendicular to the hull, while the main and mizzen masts are fitted with fore-and-aft sails running along the ship's length. Fully rigged, the vessel carried around 15 sails with a combined area of roughly 1,600 square meters, allowing her to reach considerable speed under favorable wind conditions.

When did the Mercator become a museum ship?

After her training service ended in 1960, the ship was converted into a museum the very next year, in 1961. Since 1965 the Mercator has been moored almost continuously in the port of Ostend, becoming one of the city's defining symbols and a must-see stop along the seafront promenade.

What can visitors see on board?

Guests can explore the ship's interior, including crew quarters, the captain's bridge, and the decks once used by cadets during training. The exhibits recreate everyday life aboard an early-20th-century sail training ship and recount the voyages the Mercator undertook during her decades of active service.

What practical information should visitors know?

The museum aboard the Mercator is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with last admission onboard at 16:15. Tickets cost 7 euros for adults, 5 euros for children aged 4 to 11, and children under 4 enter free of charge. The ship sits in the heart of Ostend, conveniently located between the train station and the town hall, making it an easy stop during a walk through the city center.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Mercator still sail? No, since the 1960s the ship has served exclusively as a museum and remains permanently docked in the marina.

Why is the ship called Mercator? The name commemorates Gerardus Mercator, the Flemish cartographer whose figure holds an important place in Belgium's maritime and navigational heritage.

Who designed the ship? It was designed by Adrien de Gerlache, the renowned Belgian polar explorer.

How many sails did the Mercator carry? Fully rigged, the vessel carried around 15 sails with a combined surface area of nearly 1,600 square meters.