BOSSUIT

• Latitude: 50.751
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• Longitude: 3.41077
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• Inland, Europe
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• Port in Belgium

Address: Boetzingen East Flanders 8553 Belgium

Bossuit is a locality in Belgium known more for its canal connections rather than being a significant standalone marine port. It is notable for its integration within the Scheldt–Lys Canal (also known as the Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal), which plays a role in regional waterway connections. Here’s a concise description and specification of the port and its associated waterway:

Description:

• Location: Bossuit, Belgium
• Function: Part of the Scheldt–Lys Canal system, connecting the River Lys near Kortrijk to the River Scheldt near Bossuit.
• Importance: Facilitates inland navigation for commercial transport, enabling cargo movement between the major rivers.

Specifications:

• Canal Name: Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal (Scheldt–Lys Canal)
• Length: Approximately 15 kilometers (around 9.3 miles).
• Width: Varies generally between 30 to 45 meters, accommodating both small and medium-sized vessels.
• Depth: Generally maintained at around 3.5 to 4 meters, suitable for standard inland navigation vessels.
• Locks: There are several lock installations along the canal to manage the changes in water levels.
• Capacity: Designed to handle Class IV vessels, which can carry around 1,000 to 1,500 tonnes.

Facilities:

• Berthing: Limited berthing facilities, typically designed for temporary stops or cargo transfer points along the canal.
• Cargo Handling: Basic infrastructure exists for loading and unloading, usually facilitated by mobile cranes and other standard cargo handling equipment along the canal.

Operations:

• Management: Maintained by the local waterway authorities under regional administrative governance.
• Primary Use: Mainly used for transporting bulk goods such as aggregates, agricultural products, and other bulk commodities.
• Navigation: Managed to support continuous navigation for suitable barge traffic and commercial vessels.

Accessibility:

• Road Connections: Well-connected by regional road networks, facilitating combined transport modes (waterway and road).
• Nearby Ports: Kortrijk and Oudenaarde are notable points along the canal with more established facilities for larger-scale operations.

Regulations:

• Vessels must comply with regional and European Union navigation and environmental regulations.
• There may be restrictions on vessel size, speed, and cargo type depending on the specific segment of the waterway.

The Bossuit segment of the waterway system is essential in providing an alternative route for cargo transit across the broader Scheldt and Lys river systems, supporting the region's economic and logistical activities. Despite being a lesser-known port compared to major Belgian maritime hubs, it serves a crucial role in the integrated inland waterway network of Belgium.