Strépy-Thieu boat lift, Boat lift in La Louvière region, Belgium.
The Strépy-Thieu boat lift transports vessels across a height difference of 240 ft (73 m) using two large hydraulic caissons and a counterweight system that enables efficient passage along the Canal du Centre.
Inaugurated in 2002 to replace a series of old locks, the lift modernized inland navigation in the region by significantly reducing transit time for ships moving between different canal levels.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the lift represents Belgium's industrial heritage and demonstrates technological advancements achieved in inland waterway engineering during the early 21st century.
The site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is located at 50 Rue Raymond Cordier in Le Rœulx, offering guided tours and exhibitions about waterway history.
Acknowledged as the tallest boat lift in Europe, it measures nearly 2,000 ft (600 m) in length and stands as a remarkable technical achievement that attracts engineers and visitors from around the world.
Location: La Louvière
Location: Le Rœulx
Inception: 2002
Address: Rue Raymond Cordier 50, 7070 Le Rœulx, Belgium
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
Phone: +3278059059
Website: https://canalducentre.be/fr/visites/lascenseur-funiculaire-strepy-thieu
GPS coordinates: 50.47816,4.10983
Latest update: November 28, 2025 16:31
Navigation locks are engineering structures that enable ships to pass through significant elevation changes between seas, lakes, and rivers. From the Panama Canal, where vessels rise 86 feet (26 meters) to cross the Isthmus, to the Three Gorges Dam in China, featuring five-stage locks managing a 371-foot (113-meter) height difference on the Yangtze River, these technical facilities have transformed global trade routes. The Soo Locks in the United States connect the Great Lakes, while the Kiel Canal in Germany links the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. Some structures, such as the Itaipu Dam between Brazil and Paraguay, combine navigation and hydroelectric power generation with a capacity of 14,000 megawatts. Others stand out with their innovative technical solutions: the boat lift in Peterborough, Canada, has used a hydraulic system since 1904, while the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland employs a rotating mechanism to lift 24 meters (79 feet). These facilities play a crucial role in international commerce and economic growth of the regions they serve.
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