Published on: December 5, 2025, 14:48
Since December 1, 2025, Flanders and the Netherlands have taken an important step in modernizing traffic management on the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal. With the introduction of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), the management is further developed into an internationally standardized system that fits the growing traffic, the latest technology, and future challenges on the waterway.
Further development
This is not a replacement of something that was not good enough, but a further development of an existing professional method to an approach that matches the increased complexity of shipping traffic.
The Ghent–Terneuzen Canal is one of the most important routes where sea and inland vessels intensively converge. A route to the harbor docks of North Sea Port on the canal from Ghent to Terneuzen combined with a through route towards France for inland navigation with three movable bridges. With the opening of the New Sea Lock and the development of the Seine-Scheldt connection, traffic pressure will increase further in the coming years.
That growth requires a more modern, internationally standardized approach to traffic management, says Ronald Nomes, chief engineer-director (HID) of Rijkswaterstaat West Netherlands South and Permanent Commissioner on behalf of the Netherlands (responsible for supervision of the joint shipping agreements). With VTS, we make navigation more predictable and even safer for all users.
What changes?
The current traffic management has always been carried out safely and professionally. Ships requested information themselves when needed, for example about oncoming vessels, traffic situations, or planning. Traffic control provided that information when requested or when there was an immediate risk.
Radar and communication were used on the Ghent to Terneuzen Canal, but not yet in the structured way that VTS requires. This method was appropriate and effective for the traffic and technology of the past years.
Proactive and internationally standardized
With VTS, traffic management changes into a more formal and proactive system. Dutch and Flemish traffic controllers now continuously monitor shipping traffic via a current radar image and proactively take the initiative to provide information and advice, without ships having to request it first.
Thanks to new radar towers, cameras, sensors, and modern systems, traffic controllers have a much more complete and up-to-date traffic picture. As a result, they can detect risks earlier, better anticipate busy moments, and provide uniform and timely information to all ships.
VTS supports waterway users through proactive actions by the traffic controllers with sufficient technical means to safeguard safety, says Nathalie Balcaen from the Maritime Services and Coast Agency and Flemish Permanent Commissioner. Now that traffic is busier and more complex, this proactive approach helps to recognize and prevent risks earlier.
Investments in people and technology
To enable the renewed approach, Flanders and the Netherlands invest in training and infrastructure. Traffic controllers are trained according to international VTS standards, new radar towers, cameras, and sensors have been installed, and outdated systems are renewed. This makes traffic management future-proof.
New VHF channels from December 1, 2025 (09:00 AM)
After the introduction of VTS, the canal is divided into two block areas:
1. Traffic Control Center Zelzate
- VHF 61, call sign VTS Gent
- Area: from Tweekwart towards Ghent
2. Traffic Control Center Terneuzen
- VHF 11, call sign VTS Terneuzen
- Area: from Tweekwart to the North Sea locks in Terneuzen
Harbor communication of North Sea Port runs via VHF 5.
More information on traffic management Ghent-Terneuzen Canal
More operational information is available in the VHF procedures and BASS on the website of VTS Scheldt . If you have questions or comments about these works, please contact us.
