A charging device (10; 10′; 10″) for a shaft furnace comprises a distribution chute (20; 20′; 20″; 20′″), which is supported rotatable about an essentially vertical axis of rotation (A), and a variable-speed drive (26) connected to the distribution chute. The variable-speed drive is configured to rotate the distribution chute for circumferential distribution of bulk material on a charging surface of the shaft furnace. According to the invention, the distribution chute comprises multiple chute sections (32, 34, 36, 38) that are interlinked by articulations so as to be capable of forming a curved channel for radial distribution of bulk material on the charging surface, the degree of curvature of said channel being variable in function of the speed of rotation (ω) of the distribution chute.