Three-master Mercator - Attraction

The three-masted Mercator is moored as a museum ship in the marina of Ostend, between the station and the town hall. It was the training ship of the Belgian merchant navy and is now one of the city's best known sights.

What can you expect at the Mercator?

• History: The ship was built in 1932 in Leith, Scotland, to a design by polar explorer Adrien de Gerlache, and named after cartographer Gerardus Mercator. It made 41 voyages to 54 countries. It has been in Ostend since 1964 and protected heritage since 1996.
• On board: You visit the cabins, the decks and the stories of the crew. Groups can book a guided tour of one or two hours.
• Highlights: Highlights of the Mercator are:
  • The ship itself, 78.4 metres long.
  • The story of the 1936 voyage, when the Mercator brought the remains of Father Damien back to Belgium.
  • The story of the 1934 to 1935 expedition to Easter Island, which brought back statues.

Practical information

• Opening hours: Open daily except Monday from April to October, and at weekends from November to March. Daily except Monday in Flemish school holidays.
• Good to know: Steep stairs and narrow corridors mean the ship is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs. A combination ticket with the Icelandic trawler Amandine is available.
• Surroundings: Nearby are the James Ensor House, the Visserskaai and the centre.

The Mercator is a magnificent piece of maritime heritage in the heart of Ostend.

Furthermore Three-master Mercator is near the following sights: Mu.Zee (±350 m), Museum Ship Amandine (±400 m), City Brewery 't Koelschip (±650 m), City Museum Ostend (±750 m) & Kursaal Oostende (±800 m).

For information

Mercatordok, Oostende
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