Historians often underline the importance of rivers in the study of transport, but they seldom delve on the question of navigability, even though it is of primary importance. Thus, navigation on the Scheldt has never been the object of a thorough examination. In spite of the extensive gaps, one aims at proposing a synthesis relying on the research work already published in order to describe the ancient characteristics of the river and of the conditions of navigation, the particular features of the boats, the navigation techniques, before focusing on the river's infrastructures, the piers, bridges and mills. One can note that the navigation conditions look poor because of the weak flow and the mild slope. From Valenciennes to Gent, the Scheldt authorizes the navigation of units with a tonnage not exceeding 50 t. A few developments, exceptionally precocious, improve this situation, but these new infrastructures raise also a few difficulties.
Alle informatie in het Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) valt onder het VLIZ Privacy beleid
