Suez like Canal in Europe? What is new construction about and which countries will it connect to?

The Suez Canal whose construction began in 1859 witnessed the overall economic development of prosperity of the region and large parts of the world. It provided an opportunity to connect Europe and Asia or the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. It cut short the distance between Europe and Asia which otherwise had to follow a circular path around the Cape of Good Hope. It is in this regard that Europe is constructing its network of canals.

European Canal
The canal in Europe will be 67 miles 67-mile-long waterway that will connect the Oise River and the Dunkirk-Escaut Canal. It will be a part of a network of canals connecting Paris, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. It will be able to carry freight on this route. It will connect the basins of the Seine River and the Rhine River.


Construction of the canal
This canal was planned in the 1960s but its construction will only be completed by 2028. It will cost 5 billion Euros. It will have several locks along the waterway. The deepest lock will be measuring 30 meters and will be located at the Moislains.

While there are many engineering innovations, one such innovation has caught the imagination of the people. It will boast a 1.3 km navigable bridge which will raise the canal 30m above the Somme valley wetlands.

The canal will be 54 m wide at the surface and 4.50 m deep. The waterway will be capable of transporting 4400 tons of cargo.

Does it help in combatting climate change?
Experts point out that in the long run, climate change can be fought as the canal will help remove 76,000 trucks from the roads every year. while others believe that this will make no difference in solving the issue of climate change.

FAQs:

1. Is the Rhine the longest river in Europe?
It is the Volga river which flows for a distance of over 3600 km and is the longest in Europe. Further, it is the 18th largest river in the world.

2. Which city is located on the banks of the Seine River?
Paris is located on the banks of the Seine River. The recent movie ‘Under Paris’ has been shot in Paris on the river Seine.