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Centralized, future-proof control of Belgium’s waterways
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Future-proof control for Belgium’s waterway

De Vlaamse Waterweg modernized the 63 km Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten canal with EQUANS and Siemens. By centralizing 9 locks and 11 bridges, operations are safer, more reliable, and more efficient – meeting the demands of critical infrastructure 24/7.

Modernizing Belgian waterways

Belgium’s inland waterways move over 160 million tons of goods each year, yet with the increasing traffic, skippers face delays at bridges and locks. De Vlaamse Waterweg, which manages inland waterways in Flanders, set out to change this. Entrusting the system integrator EQUANS to equip the Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten canal with Siemens' advanced remote and centralized control technology, they achieved remarkable enhancements in speed and safety, revolutionizing and future-proofing the journey for countless boats.

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Operations 24/7 without downtime

For critical infrastructure, availability is non-negotiable. The redundant SIMATIC S7-1518HF ensures continuous operations and enables centralized control from a single locatio – keeping waterways running around the clock.

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High cybersecurity

Connecting third-party systems requires strong protection against cyberthreats. Using Siemens Flexible F-Link and SIMATIC ET 200SP, data is encrypted and safeguarded – ensuring the integrity of critical infrastructure.

Steering through the currents of change

Modernizing a canal that carries millions of tons of goods each year was no small task. De Vlaamse Waterweg, together with EQUANS and Siemens, had to address several critical challenges to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient operations for the future. Close cooperation and the right technology kept the project on course.

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