Zandvlietsluis, Maritime lock in northern Antwerp, Belgium.
The Zandvlietsluis is a lock in Antwerp's port that connects the Western Scheldt River with the B2 Canal. It allows vessels to move between areas with different water levels, functioning as a crucial passage within the port complex.
The lock opened in 1967 and was the world's largest at that time. It held this distinction until the Berendrecht Lock was completed in 1989.
The lock represents the evolution of Belgian maritime engineering, displaying the technical expertise that established Antwerp as a primary European port destination.
The site is best accessed from the northern port area and offers viewing points for visitors wanting to watch the lock operations. Visit during daylight hours when regular vessel traffic passes through to see the lock in action.
The concrete construction was specifically designed to handle large tidal swings while safely passing heavy ships through the passage. This engineering approach allowed the structure to manage the extreme pressure differences between river and canal sides.
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