Prince Willem-Alexander lock closed from Feb. 28 to March 4, 2025
The Prince Willem-Alexander Lock will be closed to shipping traffic from February 28 to March 4, 2025. In extreme weather conditions, Rijkswaterstaat will move the blockage to the period March 7 to March 11, 2025. Shipping traffic will use diversion routes during the blockage.
More information can be found on the Rijkswaterstaat website and information will be provided through a BAS notice: Prince Willem-Alexander lock disruption; Feb. 28 - March 4.
Detours
- Ships up to 95 meters can pass through the Orange Locks.
- Ships with a length of 95 to 110 meters can detour via the IJssel if the water level is sufficient.
- No detour route is available for ships longer than 110 meters.
Replacement and renovation of the Prince Willem-Alexander Lock
The Schellingwoude lock complex connects the Markermeer-IJmeer with the North Sea Canal and is an important passageway for shipping. The complex consists of 3 smaller lock chambers (the Orange Locks) and the larger Prince Willem-Alexander Lock. Several parts of the Prince Willem-Alexander Lock are nearing the end of their technical lifespan, as a result of which reliability cannot be guaranteed. Rijkswaterstaat is therefore replacing and renewing parts to improve the flow and safety for shipping and to make the lock future-proof.