The Canal and the ecological transition

By developing river transport in the exchange of goods in Hauts-de-France, in France and in Europe, the Seine-Nord Europe Canal contributes to the ecological and energy transition. It thus contributes to the achievement of European and national transport decarbonisation targets (European Green Pact and Energy Transition Law for green growth), essential in the fight against air pollution and global warming.

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 is part of complementarity with other modes of transport (road, rail) for a better distribution of freight traffic. It thus allows a reduction in road traffic and its nuisances (pollution, traffic jams) for road users and, more broadly, for the inhabitants of Hauts-de-France.

An eco-responsible construction site

During the works of the Canal, river and rail transport will be favored for the supply of construction materials, thus limiting the flow of trucks on the roads. About 10 quays will be restored or built on the Canal du Nord, near the site, for unloading by boat.

Excavated soil will be reused as much as possible for the needs of the site: construction of dykes, bridge embankments, locks, etc. Excess land will be returned primarily to agriculture and also valued in local sectors or projects.