The Máxima Canal dates from 2014 and runs from the Zuid-Willemsvaart near Den Dungen to the Meuse near Gewande.

However, as time went by, ships got so big that the Zuid-Willemsvaart could not be enlarged without severely damaging housing or road traffic in 's-Hertogenbosch.

The extent of what was required followed from the national traffic and transport plan Nationaal Verkeers- en Vervoersplan (NVVP).

The NVVP designated the Zuid-Willemsvaart from the Meuse to Veghel as being a part of the main network for water transport.

Realization of the NVVP required a drastic measure, which was to make a shortcut from the Zuid-Willemsvaart to the Meuse east of 's-Hertogenbosch.