Rust and Heritage: Forgotten Barges on Ghent’s Lieve Canal

​This close-up shot captures the textures and details of rusted barges lying along the Lieve Canal between Meulestede and Wondelgem in Ghent. The Lieve Canal, once a vital trade route, was built in the 13th century to connect Ghent directly to the Zwin estuary near Damme, providing access to the North Sea without relying on the toll-heavy Scheldt. On one side of the canal lies the Wiedauwkaai, an industrial area in Ghent known for its old factory buildings and warehouses. In recent years, the area has slowly been redeveloped, with some old structures repurposed or renovated, blending industrial heritage with new projects. The worn metal and peeling paint on the barges add a gritty charm to this often-overlooked part of the city – Gent, Belgium