The construction of a major new sea lock that should simplify large vessel access to the Amsterdam port region is a step nearer reality. Friday evening, at the annual port guild dinner, saw Transport Minister Eurlings, Port Alderman Freek Ossel and North-Holland Provincial Deputy Elisabeth Post sign a finance covenant. The Minister will now be launching a further Plan Study on lock construction.

The current lock complex allowing vessels to transit from the North Sea to the port of Amsterdam consists of four lock units. The largest, known as the Noordersluis lock, sees over 80% of all cargo for Amsterdam. At a net width of 45 metres the lock is now too narrow for many of today’s larger container and bulk cargo vessels. Over recent years the port region has grown at such a rate that the capacity of the lock complex is at its limit. The Noordersluis lock was constructed in 1929 and is due for replacement within the coming 20 years. It is the wish of administrators and regional business interests to have a new larger lock by the year 2016.

Finance

The new lock costs have been estimated at something over € 700 million assuming a format of 500 by 65 by 18 metres (l*w*d). The three parties concerned have sufficient funds to take the next important steps, “insight into finance”. For Minister Eurlings this was necessary to take the last procedural step, the so-called Plan Study. It will take about three years to confirm lock dimensions, location, most efficient construction method and whether environmental demands will be met. Minister Eurlings expects the new lock to be operational in 2016.

Decisiveness

All three administrators are pleased with the breakthrough. Eurlings, “After years of talking the time has come for decisiveness and ambition. I am happy we are going for it together as we have the same objectives and recognise the need. And with insight into the financial situation we can invest best efforts to promptly and efficiently realise the project, one that matters so much to the region.”

Employment

Alderman Ossel, “The lock was one of the conditions necessary to keep the future of the Amsterdam port economically healthy for decades to come. It is critically important. Forecasts suggest that the port will provide 5000 new jobs by 2020 provided large vessels can reach Amsterdam. The new lock will ensure they do. We will be creating more scope for sustainable investments.

Economics

Provincial Deputy Post, “The port also matters to the regional economy. The new sea lock will make us less dependant on weather and tides and we will be able to avoid long waiting times. Distribution, logistics and manufacturing are important sectors in the southern part of North-Holland. Not only Amsterdam will benefit, the entire North Sea Canal area will.”

Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management:

Laura Kwakernaak +31 6 21227305

Municipality of Amsterdam: Rudy Lion Sjin Tjoe +31 6 13113806

Province of North-Holland: Esther Vorenkamp +31 6 45707713