The ship is a 'bacalhoeiro' (cod fishing boat) specifically designed for the harsh waters of the Newfoundland and Greenland banks.
During its operational life, the vessel utilized both line-fishing methods and gillnets to harvest Atlantic cod.
The ship contains a specialized hold that functioned as a giant refrigerator for the salted catch.
It was constructed at the shipyard of Astilleros y Talleres del Noroeste (ASTANO) in Spain.
The museum preserves the original radio equipment and galley setup used by the crew during months-long expeditions.
The Navio Museu Santo André is a preserved cod-fishing trawler permanently docked at Jardim Oudinot in Ílhavo, near Aveiro. Built in 1948, the vessel served the Portuguese cod fleet for nearly five decades before its decommissioning in 1997. It functions as an industrial museum providing direct insight into the lives and working conditions of Portuguese fishermen in the North Atlantic. Visitors can tour the engine room, bridge, hold, and crew quarters to observe original navigation and fishing equipment. The ship is part of the Ílhavo Maritime Museum network and focuses on the history of the 'Faina Maior' (Great Fishing) tradition. It remains stationary on dry land, positioned within a park area facing the Aveiro Lagoon.
The bow of the ship viewed from the park pathway to capture the vessel's full scale against the lagoon backdrop.
Wear comfortable, flat shoes as you will be navigating narrow ship ladders and metal flooring.
Combine your visit with the nearby Ílhavo Maritime Museum to gain broader historical context.
Check the weather before visiting, as the museum is located in an open park area exposed to coastal winds.
Do not attempt to explore the ship if you have limited mobility, as the original internal staircases are steep and narrow.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Avoid leaning on or touching delicate navigational instruments and historical displays.
