The canal and docks opened on 20 July 1826. A barge lock, and a ship lock, , capable of taking vessels up to 400 tons, connected the extensive docks to the Ouse. The new section was long, with locks at Ferrybridge, Whitley, Pollington and Goole. The connection to the Aire and the Selby canal was maintained by the lock at Bank Dole. Goole became an official port in 1827, when it gained its own Customs facilities. The scheme had cost £361,484, of which £221,350 had been borrowed, while the rest came from company resources.