This 80 mile long waterway was constructed to connect the industrial region surrounding Liege with the port facilities in Antwerp. Construction began in 1930 and the canal opened in 1934.

The canal shortened the trip from Liege to Antwerp from 12 days and 24 locks, to 6 days and 7 locks.

In addition to these benefits, it added another obstacle to any German invasion through Belgium in the future. The building of the Eben Emael fortress at its terminus with the Meuse amplified this quality.