How a 19th-century canal rescued a medieval city from economic isolation and decline

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Ghent was once a powerhouse of European cloth manufacturing, but by the mid-17th century, it faced economic ruin after losing access to the sea. The construction of the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal in the 1820s transformed the city, turning it into a vital industrial port and a hub for modern trade.

The Ghent–Terneuzen Canal, a 31-kilometre waterway connecting Ghent, Belgium, to the Western Schelde estuary in the Netherlands, was built between 1824 and 1827. Its creation was a strategic response to the city's long-standing struggle for maritime access. Following the loss of its sea route in 1648, Ghent’s commercial influence had withered, unable to compete with English cloth manufacturers. The canal project, initiated under Dutch rule, aimed to restore the city's status as a major industrial centre.

The canal’s history is marked by constant evolution to accommodate larger vessels. Significant reconstructions occurred in 1881, and by 1885, the canal reached a depth of 6.5 metres. As steamships replaced sailing vessels, further expansions became necessary. Agreements between Belgium and the Netherlands in 1895 led to extensive improvements, including new locks at Terneuzen and Sas van Gent, which were completed in the early 20th century. These works were often complex, requiring international cooperation and navigating the strict legal requirements of both nations.

The canal remains a critical artery for the region. In 2015, Flanders and the Netherlands signed a treaty to construct a new, massive lock at Terneuzen, a project costing €920 million. This modern infrastructure, comparable in scale to the Panama Canal expansions, ensures that Ghent remains a competitive port. Beyond its industrial utility, the canal has also served as a venue for significant cultural events, including the European Rowing Championships during the 1913 Expo of Ghent and the long-running Cluysen–Ter Donck Regatta.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• The Albert Canal transformed Belgian industry by slashing travel times from seven days to eighteen hours.
• The 17th-century canal that shaped the Dutch landscape and modern rail travel
• The 72-kilometer artery that keeps the Dutch economy flowing from Amsterdam to the Rhine
• Belgium's Scheldt port once birthed the world's first stock exchange
• How a medieval wool powerhouse became a modern global leader in vegetarian dining
• How a near-bankrupt discount store became a Canadian retail powerhouse through local autonomy
• The river that vanished before the Vedas were even written
• The world's most liveable community under 20,000 people
• Is the long-standing taboo against German nationalism finally beginning to fade away?
• From carriage shop to transit giant: the 134-year evolution of the Gillig bus company
• How a mechanical engineer became a central figure in Russia's massive energy industry
• How a shuttle bus for airport luggage became the standard American city transit vehicle

More in Bodies of water · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics