Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, informed yesterday the Dutch House of Representatives of the modified schedule for the completion of the new sea lock near IJmuiden.
According to the Minister, the new sea lock, which will be the world’s largest, will be opened later than initially planned.
“ The sea lock will be completed 27 months later. The date will consequently be moved to no later than the end of January 2022 ,” announced Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen.
She also added that the delay will not have any consequences for shipping traffic to and from the ports of the North Sea Canal because the existing Noordersluis lock will now remain operational longer. This does, however, mean that larger ships than is currently the case will not be able to call at our port.
“ Port of Amsterdam has been informed that the new sea lock will become operational 27 months later than initially planned. The completion will consequently be moved to no later than the end of January 2022. This does unfortunately mean that larger ships than is currently the case will not be able to call at our port, ” said Port of Amsterdam in its response to the delay in completion of sea lock.
“ We regret this outcome of events. Since the Noordersluis lock will now remain operational longer, the accessibility of ports in the North Sea Canal Area will, in any event, not be compromised ,” added the Port.
Port of Amsterdam also added that The Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat/RWS) has assured the port that IJmuiden, Beverwijk, Zaanstad and Amsterdam facilities will remain easily accessible in the next few years. It is therefore vital that the Noordersluis lock remains in optimum condition.