The history of Brabo
History
The construction of the Bonaparte Lock and commissioning of the Bonaparte and Willem Docks in the early 19th century were accompanied by a growing need to guide ships to their appointed berths. At the time, dock pilots were shrimp fishermen, sailors or boatmen who knew the local situation well. Competition was sometimes fierce and a need for structure and professionalism emerged. On 31 July 1931, a professional grouping of harbour pilots and boatmen called CVBA Brabo was launched under the impetus of the shipowners’ association, shipping agencies, city council and trade unions. Today, more than 85 years later, Brabo has expanded to become a leading organisation offering a wide range of services within the Port of Antwerp.
