Winschoterdiep

The Winschoterdiep in Scheemda (2007)
The Winschoterdiep in Groningen (2009)

The Winschoterdiep (Dutch pronunciation: [ˌʋɪnsxoːtərˈdip]) is a canal in the province Groningen of the Netherlands.[1][2] It leads to the Rensel, which is actually part of this canal. Construction was started in 1618[3] and finished in 1634. The Winschoterdiep's total length is 35.5 kilometres, and it is approximately 100 metres in width. Sixteen bridges and locks are built across this canal, as well as many other passages. Ships must be less than 16 m in breadth to pass through some of these.[4] It is one of the oldest canals ever built in Groningen still in use. In the section between Hoogezand and Waterhuizen, there are several shipwharfs.[5] Hoogezand was founded near the canal in 1618.[3]

Where the canal runs through the municipality of Menterwolde, there is significant water-sport activity in season.[2]

Notes

  1. ↑ "Oldambt". Cultural Entities (The Netherlands). Retrieved 2007-06-24. The Winschoterdiep was an important waterway for transporting goods around the area.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "The municipality of Menterwolde (Minicipal web site)". Gemeente Menterwolde. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-06-24. At walking distance of Zuidbroek, along the 'Winschoterdiep' a harbour for temporary visitors is situated, which is bustling with activity during the aquatic sports season.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "History of Jewish Communities". History of the Jews in the province of Groningen. Reigonaal Historisch Centrum. Retrieved 2007-06-24. In 1616 one started to systematically bring the peatmoor south-east of the City of Groningen under cultivation. The Winschoterdiep was dug for the removal of peat. Along this canal the towns Sappemeer and Hoogezand came into existence.
  4. ↑ "Newsletter 2003 -- 215". Daily Shipping Newsletter. 11 November 2003. p. 12. Retrieved 2007-06-24. The 10000 ton type is derived from the Volharding 8700 ton type vessel of which approx 12 vessels have been built at the Volharding Shipyards location Foxhol.The "strange" breadth of 15.87m over a length pp of 123.84m is directly linked with the Winschoterdiep breadth, which has bridges with a clear opening of 16m between the concrete construction.
  5. ↑ "Bodewes Scheepswerven". Company profile. SeaQuipment. Retrieved 2007-06-24. Bodewes Shipyards is a leading modern shipyard situated alongside the Winschoterdiep canal in the Netherlands. Since our foundation in 1812, our company's activities have focused on the building of ships

External links

Coordinates: 53°13′N 6°36′E / 53.217°N 6.600°E