The Canal and the ecological transition

By developing river transport for freight exchange in the Hauts-de-France region, in France, and in Europe, the Seine-Nord Europe Canal contributes to the ecological and energy transition. It thus helps achieve European and national objectives for decarbonizing transport (European Green Deal and the French Energy Transition for Green Growth Act), which is essential to combating air pollution and climate change.

The most ecological mode

The Seine-Nord Europe Canal is an ecological transport solution, with many advantages:

low CO emissions₂ : river transport has a carbon footprint 3 to 5 times lower than that of road transport;
energy saving : a barge consumes 3 to 4 times less energy than a truck, for the same quantity of goods transported;
but also low noise pollution, safety, absence of traffic jams...

An effective alternative to the road

The Seine-Nord Europe Canal complements other modes of transport (road, rail) to better distribute freight traffic. It thus reduces road traffic and its associated nuisances (pollution, congestion) for road users and, more broadly, for the residents of Hauts-de-France.

An eco-responsible construction site

During the Canal's construction, river and rail transport will be prioritized for supplying building materials, thus limiting truck traffic on the roads. Approximately 10 quays will be restored or built on the Canal du Nord, near the construction site, for unloading by boat.

The excavated soil will be reused as much as possible for the needs of the construction site: construction of dikes, embankments for bridges, locks… Excess soil will be returned primarily to agriculture and also utilized in local sectors or projects.