As of 1 December 2025 at 9 a.m., Flanders and the Netherlands will initiate a new traffic control method for the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal.
The introduction of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) will make this important shipping route safer, more efficient and prepare it for the future.
Important and growing shipping route
The Ghent-Terneuzen Canal is a busy route shared by both sea and inland vessels.
The opening of the Nieuwe Zeesluis and the introduction of the Seine-Scheldt connection will continue to increase shipping traffic in the coming years.
“This growth requires a different approach to traffic management,” said Ronald Nomes, Dutch Permanent Commissioner. “With VTS, we are making navigation more predictable and safer for all users.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E61nsazoQI&feature=youtu.be
From reactive to proactive
“The introduction of VTS will fundamentally change the traffic control method. Currently, ships primarily request information. In the future, traffic controllers will take the initiative,” said Dutch Permanent Commissioner Nathalie Balcaen. "Located in the traffic centres in Terneuzen and Zelzate, they monitor shipping traffic on radar screens and actively provide traffic information and advice via VHF".
VTS provides an up-to-date and complete traffic image. This keeps shipping safe, even when large ocean-going and inland vessels pass each other.
New infrastructure and cross-border collaboration
This proactive guidance is made possible thanks to Flanders and the Netherlands investing heavily in people and infrastructure:
- new radar towers are built
- obsolete installations will be upgraded
- new VTS operators received an intensive training according to international standards
VHF channels as of 1 December 2025 (9 a.m.):
The canal is divided into two block areas:
- Zelzate traffic centre
- VHF 61 call sign VTS Ghent
- Area: starting at Tweekwart in the Ghent direction
- Terneuzen Traffic Control Centre
- VHF 11 call sign VTS Terneuzen
- Area: starting at Tweekwart to the Terneuzen locks
Port communication (North Sea Port): via VHF 5
View the VHF procedures & BASS