Vlissingen

Pilot jetty
In 1923 in the Wester- or Koopmanshaven in Vlissingen a jetty was built by the Ministry of Waterways for pilot services. For dozens of years vessels had commuted between the − Loodsensteiger and the ocean-going vessels on the Westerschelde − to load and unload the pilots. From 1990 onwards the Loodsensteiger lost its usefulness. Since Dutch and Belgian pilot services deployed a new floating jetty. The Vlissingen jetty became an albatross around the neck of the Directorate General for Shipping and Maritime Affairs. In June 1991 it was decided to demolish the Loodsensteiger.
By creating the Foundation for the Preservation of the Loodsensteiger, the already intitiated demolition works were stopped shortly thereafter. A legal tug-of-war ensued, which also with the support of the population of Vlissingen eventually resulted in the permanent salvation of the jetty. Today the municipality of Vlissingen is the owner and the foundation is responsible for operation and maintenance.
Early spring 2006 the restauration has been finished. Since then the jetty became increasingly popular. Ships up to 100 metres can moor at the jetty and take passengers on board. It is accessible to pedestrians and fishers from the quay. The jetty plays an important role during maritime events.
Practical: The jetty is accessible 24 hours a day, except for bad weather conditions.
Information: Stichting Behoud Loodsensteiger, 17 Lambrechtsenstraat, 4389 TL Ritthem, tel. 0031-118 47 46 35, E-mail: griftmeul@zeelandnet.nl