Kerkschip St Jozef: Antwerp's Floating Church

The Kerkschip St Jozef is a remarkable floating church and community center located in the Houtdok area of Antwerp's harbor. This unique vessel has a fascinating history, beginning its life as a concrete tanker constructed between 1942 and 1944 in Rotterdam for the German Kriegsmarine. The ship was intended to supply U-boats with fuel, water, and provisions. Due to material shortages, it was built with concrete instead of steel.In 1944, the unfinished ship was towed to Antwerp. After the war, the Belgian government seized the vessel, and it was eventually sold to a private company. For a short time, it was used for coal storage. In 1950, the Archdiocese of Mechelen acquired the ship and transformed it into a church and social center for inland sailors. It was christened 'Kerkschip St Jozef' in 1952.Today, the Kerkschip St Jozef offers regular church services, including baptisms and weddings. A small chapel with 80 seats is open daily, while a larger chapel accommodates 260 worshippers. A canteen provides a gathering space for sailors, dockworkers, and visitors. The ship is also a tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into Antwerp's maritime history and a unique architectural structure. The Kerkschip St Jozef is recognized as a protected piece of maritime heritage.