The Port of Amsterdam is the second-largest port in the Netherlands after the Port of Rotterdam. The increasing size of new ships has made this project necessary.
The locks at the Port of Amsterdam are a key component in facilitating the maritime transport of cargo and passengers. However, the increase in ship size in recent years has meant that this infrastructure, designed many years ago, is beginning to become obsolete. In addition, the useful life of these locks is expected to end in 2029.
In order to resolve this issue as soon as possible, the port authority hopes to begin construction in 2016 and complete it by 2019, thereby addressing the locks’ end of service life and preventing a loss of competitiveness due to restrictions on new ships. With the new dimensions, cargo traffic at the Port of Amsterdam is expected to increase to approximately 30 million metric tons by 2030, primarily in bulk cargo.
The current locks were built in 1929 and measure 500 meters long, 65 meters wide, and 18 meters deep. The renovation will cost approximately 900 million euros.
