Waterways
Facts of the waterways including Zeesluis IJmuiden, world's largest sea lock.
The North Sea Canal today
- From the locks up to the Mercuriushaven, the depth of the North Sea Canal is 15 metres below Normal Amsterdam Level (NAP). From the Mercuriushaven up to the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, the depth is 11 metres below NAP.
- The North Sea Canal runs from the IJmuiden locks to the Coenhaven. East of the Coenhaven, the waterway is called River IJ and continues up to the Oranjesluizen, the locks located in the eastern part of Amsterdam.
- The maximum permitted arrival draught (in seawater and subject to conditions) for ships passing through the IJmuiden North Lock and the North Sea Canal is 13.75 metres.
- The maximum permitted departure draught (in fresh water and subject to conditions) for ships passing through the North Sea Canal and the IJmuiden North Lock is 14.05 metres.
- Ships with deeper draughts (up to 17.80 metres in seawater) can be lightered at the lightering facility west of the IJmuiden lock complex.
- Vessel traffic services are provided from the Harbour Operation Centre (HOC) at IJmuiden. For VTS purposes, these VHF sector channels are used.
The IJmuiden New Sea Lock (as from 2022)
- We are building a big innovative sea lock so that the new generation of larger ships can navigate through the North Sea Canal safely and smoothly.
- The New Sea Lock is tide-independent and ships can pass through 24/7.