The Krammer locks, located in Zeeland in the Netherlands, play a crucial role in the Rotterdam-Antwerp-Ghent international maritime corridor. Handling approximately 60,000 vessels annually, they are an essential link in European shipping. However, after more than 35 years of continuous operation, the locks required a significant modernisation to extend their lifespan and enhance efficiency.
Given the technical complexity and scale of the renovation, Rijkswaterstaat awarded the project to BESIX in May 2024, further strengthening their longstanding partnership, which has been built on a history of successful collaborations in the Netherlands. BESIX will lead the works in the partnership ZEEKR, alongside BESIX Unitec, Croonwolter&dros, Demako, Iemants, and Bosch Rexroth, drawing on its deep expertise in civil and maritime engineering, industrial automation, and complex infrastructure projects.
With decades of experience in the Netherlands, BESIX has played a key role in delivering some of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, among which the Princess Beatrix Lock, the Limburg Locks, the Velser Tunnel or the Second Coen Tunnel. The renovation of the Krammer locks exemplifies BESIX’s ability to tackle technically demanding projects.
Key improvements
This ambitious renovation will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Krammer locks while maintaining their pivotal role in European maritime transport. Key improvements include the modification and renovation of the lock doors, the revision of all moving components, the execution of concrete repair works, and the replacement of the entire power supply and control system. The most remarkable is the installation of a state-of-the-art sweet-salt water separation system with air-bubble screens in the commercial locks. Additionally, a new fish migration and flushing channel will be built, to improve the functionality of the lock complex and make it fish-friendlier.
BESIX Unitec and Croonwolter&dros will oversee the revamp of the electrical and industrial automation systems, ensuring a comprehensive upgrade of power supply and control systems, and possibly even the installation of a solar park. This high-precision work will replace almost all existing electrical installations, significantly enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the lock complex. After the renovation, the entire lock complex will be remotely operable from the Neeltje Jans control house.
Dieter Behaeghel, Project Director at BESIX, highlights the scale and complexity of the project: “The renovation of the Krammer locks is one of the most impressive civil engineering projects in the Netherlands, featuring the country’s largest concrete structure, with most of it located underground. The challenges posed by the size, location, and engineering requirements of this project make it an excellent fit for BESIX’s expertise in complex infrastructure.”
Calendar
With preparation in full swing, renovation works will begin in October 2025, with completion scheduled for 2028. Once finished, the Krammer locks will be more energy-efficient, technologically advanced, and future-proof, reducing energy consumption by 35%, improving operational efficiency, and minimising lock chamber times for commercial maritime traffic from 45 minutes to 30 minutes.
This renovation represents another milestone in BESIX’s track-record of engineering excellence and trusted collaboration with Rijkswaterstaat.
You can find more information (in Dutch) here: Renovatie Krammersluizencomplex