The canal was created as part of the link from the river Scheldt to the Meuse that Napoleon Bonaparte planned as the Grand Canal du Nord, but only the stretches Lommel-Beringen en Venlo-Neuss were built, with a part of the present Zuid-Willemsvaart between Lanaken and Bocholt.

The 1807 Treaty of Fontainebleau added Lommel to the national territory, in exchange for Luyksgestel, this removed the last obstacle.

Apart from its transportation function, the canal also served to irrigate the dry Kempen region with water from the Meuse.

Some industry had already been settled however, and was to stay: one example is the Umicore (Union Minière) zinc works in Overpelt, dating from 1888.

[5] Like on many waterways, each side of the canal has a good quality cyclepath over the full length; these also are mainly meant for recreational use.