Cross-border collaboration for safe and smooth shipping

The canal from Ghent to Terneuzen is about to undergo a major transition. With a length of 32 kilometres, three bridge passages and the opening of the Nieuwe Zeesluis (New Sea Lock) in Terneuzen, the canal is becoming an even more important shipping route. The arrival of the Seine-Scheldt link will further increase and diversify shipping traffic.

To monitor this growth safely and efficiently, Flanders and the Netherlands are jointly providing (and constructing) active traffic control services – Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) – along the entire route.

What will change?

Larger and more diverse shipping

The Nieuwe Zeesluis – one of the biggest in the world – enables access for marine vessels up to 366 metres in length and with a draft of up to 12.50 metres, regardless of the tide. These large ocean-going vessels will share the shipping route with inland vessels, which necessitates accurate and professional traffic control.

From reactive to proactive control

Whereas ships currently request information themselves, traffic controllers will soon take the initiative. Based on real-time information (radar, AIS and cameras), they will continuously monitor the situation and actively provide vessels with support and advice.

A fully comprehensive, advanced traffic overview

We are expanding the radar network to enable this active guidance. New radar towers and modern equipment will be installed along the entire canal, creating an accurate and continuous traffic overview. There are two separate zones:

• Area of Control: routes with full radar and communication facilities on the main transport axis;
• Area of Interest: lateral canals and harbour basins/docks with basic detection.

Expanding infrastructure

Flanders will install five new radar towers at strategic locations within industrial zones. New marine transmitters will also be integrated for optimal VHF communication. On the Dutch side, two new radar towers are operational and another two are under construction. Obsolete installations are to be updated. Bridge operators have access to radar images for better visibility on the water, with extra VTS cameras at critical locations.

Investing in people

Flanders invests heavily in the expansion of its VTS capacity. A new team of traffic controllers has been recruited and is currently undergoing intensive training aimed at proactive vessel guidance.
The Dutch side is already experienced in active traffic control. This knowledge forms a strong foundation for further collaboration across the border.

Future-focused collaboration

Thanks to these joint efforts, Flanders and the Netherlands are able to manage the canal from Ghent to Terneuzen in a way that is unified, efficient and safe as it takes on ever-increasing importance as an international shipping route – today and in the future.