Toespraak van minister Schultz van Haegen bij opening 4e sluis Ternaaien (België)

Toespraak | 13-11-2015

Majesté, Madame la Commissaire, Excellences, Mesdames et messieurs,

C’est un grand honneur que de pouvoir m’exprimer ici, devant vous. En cette journée exceptionnelle autant pour la Belgique que pour les Pays-Bas. Car : le bouchon de Lanaye n’est plus. 'L’écluse des soupirs' est désormais de l’histoire ancienne.

Si vous le permettez, je vais poursuivre en anglais.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In his book 'Olanda', the 19th century Italian writer Edmondo de Amicis wrote: 'The canals are the Dutch arteries and the water its blood.' The same applies for the whole Rhine/Maas Delta that we share.

Our two countries are true shipping nations. On the seas, rivers and canals.

But why cite an Italian? Because sometimes you need to look through a foreigner's eyes to see what you take for granted.

In this case: the unique close-knit network of canals and rivers that shape our landscape. Inland and sea shipping occupy a crucial place in that network. And in our economy.

Our canals and rivers are the life-blood of our ports. They connect all the main industrial areas and conurbations in our part of Europe. Today, our two countries again show why they lead the field in European logistics. How they strengthen Europe's position in the global economy. And boost its competitiveness. This region continues to consolidate its position as Europe's logistic hub. With a new lock.

And the new Pont Nord. Belgium and the Netherlands are the gateway to Europe. It's a position we want to keep. Our investments confirm that.

They are part of our European strategy to create the best possible links between seaports and inland ports in the Trans-European Transport Network. They strengthen our economies and create opportunities in the regions.

Like here, in the Province of Liège. These investments are essential. The global economy marches on. Do we stand on the sidelines or join in?

Our two countries have a shared economic interest. So it's crucial for us to work together on connections, trade and industry. Otherwise we'll miss the boat.

If we want to be part of the global economy in the future too, our infrastructure will have to be better than good. It will have to be excellent. Our infrastructure is the backbone of our economies. Road, rail, air…and water. That's why I'll continue to invest in our waterways - to keep them reliable and proof them for the future.

Take the IJmond Sea Lock and the plans for a new lock at Terneuzen. And with the 'Maasroute project' I'm upgrading the River Maas: from Lanaye to the junction with the River Waal at Nijmegen. Thanks to this project, larger inland waterway vessels will be able to use the Maas corridor: the main link between our North Sea ports and Liège and the rest of Europe.

Of course, new infrastructure is not a goal in itself. New infrastructure has to provide space. Space for new economic opportunities, new growth and new jobs. And we have to be lean and mean. Where possible, I make deals with businesses so that investments pay off. Give and take.

Let me give you an example.

In North Brabant, I agreed to have the Zuid-Willemsvaart Canal and its locks widened. In return, businesses agreed to take 600 trucks a day off the road and transport their products by inland waterway instead.

I've also opened the doors wide to smart inland shipping. For instance by making data accessible to the market. More IT leads to more intelligent infrastructure and terminals. So businesses can make optimum use of all modalities. That's what I call synchromodality in practice.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The new, fourth Lanaye lock will enable growth and create new jobs. More cargo capacity, and bigger ships. More trade and more reliable journey times for inland shipping. To the relief of skippers, agents and consignors.

This lock is a first-rate example of cooperation between our two countries and the European Commission on a trans-border project. And of how we're contributing to a healthy future for inland shipping.

The sector's share of the transport market is growing. And will continue to do so. Tata Steel now transports 66% of its finished products by water. This means a 135,000 fewer trucks on the road each year. And the capacity of our rivers is nowhere near exhausted.

One way of growing is to improve connections between modalities. In short, synchromodality. We're seeing that concept in action, here in the heart of Europe, at this logistics hub. This logistics centre provides customised solutions.

And with the fourth lock it will also guarantee reliable journey times and better movement of traffic on the waterways. You know the saying 'All good things come in threes'. The Trilogiport is an excellent example of this saying.

First, it combines three transport modalities: water, road and rail. Second, we're here in Liège. The city with three names that we call Luik and others Lüttich. Underlining its strategic location as a logistics pivot between three countries: the Netherlands, Germany and France. Third, Liège is Europe's third biggest inland port, easily accessible from three major seaports: Antwerp, Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

In short, the Trilogiport more than lives up to its name.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good infrastructure is fundamental to our economic competitiveness. No excellent infrastructure means no strong economy. So with smart investment we're strengthening our position as leading players in global logistics. That means investing in our hardware: locks, bridges and waterways. But also in software: cooperation and intelligent, customised solutions. Because a good performance today, is no guarantee of future success. And that's why the fourth lock is such a smart investment.

Today 'Le bouchon de Lanaye' is history. Perhaps we should give the lock a new nickname. May I make a suggestion? What about: 'le tire-bouchon de Lanaye' or 'corkscrew' in English. Thank you for your attention.