Re-alignment of the quays (en)

The port and its many canals was outdated. Steamers had to anchor on the river and unload their goods on small boats that could reach the quays. The Central Administration of Bridges and Roads saw only one solution: the re-alignment of the Scheldt quays, which was carried out by Couvreux & Hersent. The new quays were 3.5 km long and sufficiently high to accommodate ships with a large draught. The canals were replaced by the so-called Zuiderdokken or southern docks and prestigious buildings constructed along the new quays. The fortress city of Antwerp was also demolished around this time.