Strépy-Thieu boat lift

The Strépy-Thieu boat lift is one of the highest boat lifts in the world , with a height of 73.15 metres.

The lift was inaugurated in 2002 and is part of the Canal du Centre, which connects the rivers Meuse and Scheldt. connects each other.

The lift replaced four older and smaller boat lifts on the same canal, which are now on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their historical significance and engineering marvels.

The lift has two independent lifting cages, each 112 metres long and 12 metres wide, each capable of lifting vessels weighing up to 1,350 tonnes. The lift operates on a counterbalance system, which is both energy-efficient and reliable. Each cage holds 8,400 cubic metres of water and weighs, including water, approximately 8,000 tonnes.

The elevator took about 20 years to build. It was put into service in 2002.

The ship lift moves at a speed of about 20 centimeters per second . Lifting or lowering a ship therefore takes about 7 minutes (see the attached timelapse video) .

The ship lift is constructed of watertight concrete . Strong rubber seals are used at critical points, such as the joints between the moving parts and the fixed structure. Dynamic seals are used at the transition from the ship's cages to the fixed parts of the lift. These seals adapt to the movements of the lift and remain watertight, regardless of the position of the cage. Many of the metal parts that come into contact with water are made of stainless steel. This material is resistant to corrosion, which is essential to ensure the integrity of the waterproofing in the long term.

Due to problems with the stability of the subsoil, the project ultimately cost more than four times the original estimate: 647 million euros instead of 174 million.

Willem Vandenameele