Innovative in hydraulic engineering since 1832

Baars Charter B.V. specializes in the rental and sale of modular pontoons, dredging containers, such as elevator containers, split barges and hopper barges specially for (contaminated) sludge.

1421

Sint Elisabethsvloed
A terrible storm and flood create the Biesbosch. This unique freshwater tidal area is only accessible by boat.

1813

The Netherlands becomes a monarchy. King Willem I
decides to start major hydraulic engineering
projects in order to put the country back on the
map economically. Large tracts of land are reclaimed,
canals are dug and waterways improved. Many natives of Sliedrecht join
in the projects, leaving the village for long periods to go work ‘out yonder’.

1832

Kornelis Baars of
Heinenoord opens a
shipyard in Sliedrecht and builds wooden barges, tjalks and rowboats.
He soon makes a name
for himself in his field.

1861

The first self-navigating steam-driven bucket
dredger is built. It is purchased by Adriaan Volker, founder of the Sliedrecht dredging industry.

1867

Arie, son of Kornelis Baars, starts his own shipyard at the other end of Sliedrecht.

1889

Arie Baars receives a municipal permit to build steel ships. He expands his company with a brick building and two forges.

1890

Improvements made to all major Dutch rivers to increase water and ice drainage. This also lessens the danger of flooding. Baars begins building
dredging equipment.

1906

Teunis, Arie, Jan and
Gerrit Baars, the sons of
Arie, start a new shipyard
with their father, Scheepsbouwmaatschappij A. Baars
& Zonen.

1910

The Sliedrecht dredging fleet expands and contractors want their own harbour in Sliedrecht to moor their dredging vessels.