This canal was built between 1882 and 1917 to link the Meuse basin to that of the Scheldt, thus creating a direct waterway between Germany and France. The issue of the height difference (90m) between the two basins was resolved by building four canal lifts and six locks. To align with European gauge standards (1 350t), the decision was made to create a new canal (2002) and the Strépy-Thieu boat lift, while the old section was given over to waterway tourism.