| Canal Dunkerque-Escaut | |
|---|---|
 Map of Dunkirk-Scheldt Waterway | |
 | |
| Coordinates | 50°31′20″N 2°45′25″E / 50.52222°N 2.75694°E |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 189 km (117 mi) |
| Lock length | 144.60 m |
| Lock width | 12 m |
| Maximum boat length | 143 m |
| Maximum boat beam | 11.50 m |
| Minimum boat draft | 3.00 m |
| Minimum boat air draft | 5.25 m |
| Locks | 14 |
| Total rise | 34.90m |
| Geography | |
| Start point | Mardyck maritime lock, Port of Dunkerque |
| End point | Escaut River |
| Beginning coordinates | 51°1′53″N 2°16′2″E / 51.03139°N 2.26722°E |
| Ending coordinates | 50°15′40″N 3°17′51″E / 50.26111°N 3.29750°E |
| Connects to | Port of Dunkerque - Haut-Escaut in Belgium |
The Dunkirk-Scheldt Canal is a 189 km long series of historic canals, and the canalised river Scheldt that were substantially rebuilt from the mid-1950s up to ca. 1980, with some new sections, from Dunkirk to the Belgian border at Mortagne-du-Nord. Existing canals (listed below) were straightened and widened; and new locks were built, also on the river Scheldt, from the junction at Bouchain to the border. The route is also known as the Liaison 'à grand gabarit' (large dimensions, or high capacity, literally large gauge) Dunkerque-Escaut. Some authors have separated the waterway into the canal proper and the canalised river Scheldt, but current practice is to use the simple name throughout. The Liaison was designed for large commercial vessels up to 85m long by 11.50m wide (and 143m long push-tows). The entire route is being further upgraded to offer European Class Vb dimensions, for push-tows 185m by 11.50m, and motor barges up to 125m long, as part of the current EU-funded Seine-Scheldt-Rhine waterway corridor investments, including the new Seine-Nord Europe Canal.