New 125-meter lock to boost inland shipping on Roeselare-Leie canal

A new, larger lock is set to be constructed on the Roeselare-Leie canal in Ooigem, near Wielsbeke, Belgium. The decision to build the 125-meter-long and 12.5-meter-wide lock, located adjacent to the existing Ooigem lock, has been finalized. Officials state the current lock, dating from the 1970s, is too small and saturated, despite recent renovations. Approximately 8,000 ships pass through it annually, but it has reached its maximum capacity. The new facility will allow inland vessels up to 3,000 tons to use the canal, reducing road transport by the equivalent of 120 trucks. This expansion is crucial for the Seine-Schelde cross-border network, providing businesses in West Flanders a vital link to France and Flemish seaports. Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Annick De Ridder highlighted the canal zone's economic significance, generating over 450 million euros in added value and supporting 5,500 jobs. Maxim Veys, chairman of De Vlaamse Waterweg, warned that without the expansion, industrial growth could slow, directly impacting about 50 leading companies. Construction is slated to start in 2028, with the Flemish government allocating 50 million euros, supplemented by European Union support. The project includes rerouting part of Vaartstraat and relocating two properties owned by the Flemish Waterweg, while a new cycle path will be added for cyclist safety.

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The new lock is needed because the current lock has become too small and saturated.