Small Belgian ferry port on the North Sea, linked to Bruges by a canal (built 18961907), 14 km/9 mi long. It was occupied by the Germans in World War I and developed as a major naval base. In March 1987 it was the scene of a disaster in which over 180 passengers lost their lives when the car ferry Herald of Free Enterprise put to sea from Zeebrugge with its car-loading doors still open.