Brussels-Scheldt Maritime Canal

Geschiedenis

The Brussels–Scheldt Maritime Canal, is a canal in Belgium linking Brussels with the Scheldt river and ultimately the sea. The 28 km long canal has a width of 30 m. and a draught of 2 m., and connects the cities of Brussels and Willebroek, where it joins the Rupel river in the hamlet of Klein-Willebroek. Hence previously the canal was officially known as the Brussels-Rupel Maritime Canal prior to the establishment of a direct link with the Scheldt in 1997.The canal is one of the oldest navigable canals in Belgium and indeed in Europe.HistoryConstruction work began in 1550 and lasted until 1561. However, permission to build the canal had already been granted by Philip the Good in 1436. But due to protests from the city of Mechelen (which levied taxes on all transport going through the traditional route via the Senne river) the project was stalled for a very long time.In 1531 the Emperor, Charles V renewed the authorization of Philip the Good, but work did not begin immediately. It was not until 1550 that Mary of Hungary made an agreement to begin construction. On 16 June 1550 the mayor of Brussels, Jean de Locquenghien gave the ground-breaking ceremony.The difference in altitude of 14 m between Brussels and the Rupel river at Willebroek was achieved with 4 locks. With the commissioning of the canal, the ships could now avoid navigating the Senne and being subject to tax in Mechelen.