Von Köln zum Meer

The photo book "From Cologne to the Sea" by Werner Böcking offers a fascinating insight into the development of shipping on the Lower Rhine. Through over 200 historical photographs, many of which are previously unpublished, the history of towboat shipping in the 19th and 20th centuries is documented. The images impressively showcase the variety of ships that transported goods and people from the medieval loading dock in Cologne to Rotterdam. Notably, the book features photographs of early paddle steamers and Rhine voyages from the 19th century. It provides not only a visual impression of Duisburg-Ruhrort, the largest inland port in the world, but also of Rhine shipping as part of the regional culture. Werner Böcking, coming from a family of barge operators, brings his passion and expertise to this work, which is significant for both history enthusiasts and lovers of shipping.