De Scheepvaart nv was established in 2004 as an autonomous agency and limited liability company under public law for the maintenance, operation, management and commercialisation of the Albert Canal, the Kempen Canals, the Schelde-Rhine River connection and the common Grensmaas. Its most important task consists of stimulating goods traffic on the Albert Canal and the Kempen Canals and thereby contribute towards improved mobility and safety on the road. The agency not only invests in infrastructure on and around the canal, it also owns a significant amount of real estate along the canal banks which it leases to companies.