The basins of the Seine and the Scheldt are two of Europe’s most important industrial regions. Improving the waterway connection between the rivers to provide access for large container and push-towing ships between the two regions is the joint objective of France, Wallonia and Flanders in the SeineScheldt project. Moreover, the objectives are the alleviation of congested roads, increasing safety and sustainability.
In Flanders the trajectory mainly follows the river Lys and the ‘Ringvaart’ around Ghent towards the canal Ghent-Terneuzen.
Ecology and economy
The SeineScheldt project focuses on river restoration:
- riverbanks are strenghtened in an environmental-friendly way
- fauna and flora are developed
- cut-off river meanders are reconnnected to the Lys
- and pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths are foreseen and improved.
The economic dimension of the waterway is mapped, transhipment centres are developed and businesses are attracted, boosting the area.
Connection between 2 European leading regions
The realisation of this international waterway is needed for the completion of the Trans European Transport Network (TEN-T) by 2030. Flanders, gateway to the complete Scheldt and Rhine delta in the Netherlands and Germany, will connect these areas with the surrounding regions of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris.