MBT Groninger tjalk (19th century) - Construction Drawing Scale 1 : 75 (10.05.011)

The Groninger tjalk is a robust type of flat-bottomed ship that originated in the province of Groningen, Netherlands. This type of ship was primarily used for inland and coastal shipping in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Characteristics of the Groninger tjalk

Length/width ratio: In proportion to its width, the Groninger tjalk is particularly long and flat, with an extremely shallow draught. This shape was ideal for the shallow and narrow waterways in the peat colony areas of Groningen.

Hull: The ships have a flat, wide bottom with round chines (the transition from the bottom to the sides), straight flat sides and gently curved, elegant round stems.

Building material: Originally, these ships were primarily built from wood. From the end of the 19th century, iron examples were also built, such as the 'Sterre' from 1887, one of the oldest iron Groninger tjalks.

Rigging: The Groninger tjalk is typically equipped with gaff-rigged sails, which is characteristic of flat-bottomed ships.

Use: These ships were used for transporting goods such as peat, sand, and manure across the inland waterways of the Netherlands. They were designed to carry a large load and to be able to reach almost anywhere.

Restoration and preservation

There are still some Groninger tjalks in use, often as sailing heritage or houseboats.

For example:

De Dankbaarheid: Built in 1888, this tjalk was one of the faster ships in the shell fishing industry due to its design. The ship has a riveted iron hull and is still maintained for day trips on the Wadden Sea and the IJsselmeer.

Alida Geziena: Built in 1888, originally a seagoing vessel, later converted into an inland vessel. The ship has been privately owned since 1973 and is still maintained.

Specifications :