Nieuwe Waterweg and Botlek Dredging Work Wraps Up

Image source: Port of Rotterdam

The Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat) and the Port of Rotterdam Authority last week celebrated the completion of the deepening of the Nieuwe Waterweg and Botlek.

Image source: Port of Rotterdam

Under the project, one of the busiest waterways in the Netherlands has been deepened by a meter and a half across a distance of 25 kilometers.

The ceremonial opening of the deepened Nieuwe Waterweg and Botlek was performed by Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen (Infrastructure & Water Management) and Ronald Paul, the Port of Rotterdam Authority’s Chief Operating Officer.

Commenting the latest news, Minister Van Nieuwenhuizen said: “Big, bigger, biggest. We’re talking here about the Aframax, Suezmax and Panamax, mammoth vessels that sail cheaper, more sustainably and safer. In the port sector, big is not only a matter of honor, but it’s also a condition for survival in today’s cut-throat competitive world. That is certainly true for the port of Rotterdam.”

The opening included a nautical salute together with vessels from contractors Van der Kamp and Boskalis, a Port of Rotterdam Authority patrol vessel and a Rijkswaterstaat vessel.

The total joint investment amounted to around €70 million.