The tug ‘Polaris’ was built just before World War II as ‘Kaliwaal 19’ and served mainly around Nijmegen. Apparently it was a good ship, because it served until the early ^21st century.

When the current owner bought it in 2003, the boat was still fully functional and you could get right back to work with it, so to speak. But that was not the intention. Instead, the owner wanted to return the ship to its original condition.

You can’t see the biggest job it took to do that from the outside. Namely, that was putting back the original engine: a Brons from the engine factory in Appingedam (Groningen). Rebuilding is still underway, but the “Polaris” is already making several trips, including to events where these types of ships are welcome guests.

The owner is justifiably proud of his special ship. “It should be preserved for posterity, I think that’s important.”