Parking near Mercator

Mercator Museum is an iconic landmark located in Ostend, Belgium's port city. Dating back to 1932, this historic museum ship moored between station and city hall marina has been drawing thousands of visitors each year; making it possibly Belgium's best-known ship and protected monument. Finding parking near Mercator can be tricky but Mobypark provides convenient, low cost and cost effective parking near it.

Adrien de Gerlache designed Mercator as a training ship for the merchant navy. Launched from Leith in Scotland in 1932, on its maiden voyage it experienced some technical issues which were later rectified. Equipped with 15 sails covering 1600m2, it could achieve speeds up to 13 knots under ideal sailing conditions.

Mercator was one of five Belgian training ships and its watches were overseen by three teams of twenty men according to classical watch protocols. One officer and three cadets manned the watch on the bridge while two other teams, each led by an officer, stood ready for sail maneuvers.

Mercator was not only used as a school ship but also served as a seafaring ambassador at world exhibitions and ceremonies, taking part in races such as Oslo-Oostende. On its seventh voyage (October 3, 1934 - May 21, 1935), she successfully transported two moai from Easter Island (a real giant statue and its replica). However, it proved challenging bringing these heavy statues aboard while being anchored 250 meters off shore of Easter Island.

Mercator was transformed into a chapel during its ninth trip (October 14, 1935 - May 4, 1936), when she brought back the remains of Father Damien from Honolulu via American ship Republic to Christchurch where it was anchored before finally reaching Antwerp where its solemn reception was attended by King Leopold III and Cardinal Van Roey. From 1932-1955 Remi Van de Sande (1893-1969) served as captain, while Roger Ghys (1923-2012), had served his cadetship from 1955 - 1960 who served under two captains - Remi Van de Sande (1893-1969) from 1932-1955 while Roger Ghys (1923-2012), served from 1955 - 1960 as her sole captainy; King Leopold III attended her solemn reception ceremony upon its return in Antwerp by King Leopold III and Cardinal Van Roey attended her sole service with her sole service Captainy: Remi Van de Sande (1893-1969), Remi Van de Sande (1893-1969), had only ever served under her first Captainship; she had only two Captains throughout its service: Remi Van de Sande (1893-1969 from 1955 on board; Roger Ghys (1923-2012), had served her from 1955- 1960 (also being Captaining Cade Ghys (1923-2012, having had served under Remi Van de Sande 1893-1969).

Just prior to World War II's outbreak, Mercator set sail on its 20th voyage for Belgium's Congo, initially with the goal of mapping its coastline. Unfortunately, in 1943 it was taken over by the British Admiralty who used it as a submarine depot ship (Submarine Depot Ship).

After World War II, Mercator returned to Belgium in July 1945 for repair at Ghent in 1947. Between 1951 and 1960, she served as both a training ship as well as participating in three sailing races, making a total of 54 voyages before eventually being laid up at her current mooring at Norfolk in Virginia in 1960.

Mobypark can assist Mercator Museum visitors looking for parking by providing affordable and convenient locations near the museum. We strategically place our spots for ease of parking so visitors can focus on enjoying their visit without being distracted by parking issues.

Mobypark makes parking simple by enabling you to reserve a spot ahead of time and save both time and money. Our secure, well-lit, regularly monitored spaces guarantee the safety of your vehicle - plus, they're just steps from Mercator Museum!

Finding parking at the Mercator Museum in Ostend can be challenging; however, Mobypark provides affordable and convenient solutions.