Larger and wider ships
Ships have become bigger and wider in recent decades. Modern ships carry more goods and bulk. And there are also larger cruise ships. In order to continue to allow these ships safe and smooth access to the Port of Amsterdam at low tide, a larger sea lock had to be built at IJmuiden. In 2016, work therefore started on the lock complex. The new sea lock is scheduled to be taken into use in 2022.
Enormous lock complex
There are several locks at the lock complex. The Zuidersluis for pleasure craft, the Middensluis and the Noordersluis. Until now, the Noordersluis, built in 1929, was the largest. But this one no longer sufficed for economic but also technical reasons. What is going to happen with the Noordersluis in the future is still unknown. During the construction of the new sea lock, these three locks will remain in operation.