The Albert Canal
Albert Canal, a shipping canal in Belgium. It is about 80 miles (130 km) long and runs generally northward and then northwestward. The canal links the highly industrialized area of Liège with Antwerp, Belgium's chief port. It was completed in 1939 and named for King Albert I. In World War II the Albert Canal served as Belgium's main line of defense until crossed by German troops in 1940. It was retaken by Allied forces in 1944.