Test runs through the Nieuwe Sluis are in full swing. During the past weeks, a large number of ships have already passed through the lock, resulting in some impressive milestones.
The Nieuwe Sluis Terneuzen was officially opened in October last year by the kings of the Netherlands and Belgium. Now, the Nieuwe Sluis is being intensively tested. Since the beginning of May, increasingly larger ships have been passing through the lock, and the number of ships being locked through simultaneously has also increased. Various Panamax ships with a length of 230 metres and a draught of 12.5 metres have already passed through the Nieuwe Sluis. And last week, the first ship with a draught of 12.5 metres sailed into the canal at low tide. This is a special milestone, because previously, locks with this draught were only possible at high water levels.
With a length of 427 metres, a width of 55 metres and a depth of 16.44 metres, the Nieuwe Sluis is tailor-made for Panamax ships as it is the same size as the new locks in the Panama Canal. It is therefore prepared for the global upscaling of shipping. The Nieuwe Sluis also provides better access and smoother traffic flow for ships travelling from the North Sea and the Western Scheldt to the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, and beyond.
With this second sea lock, located next to the Westsluis for maritime shipping, North Sea Port can guarantee permanent access for maritime shipping to the port area behind the lock. This provides an alternative during, for example, the maintenance of a sea lock, ensuring that companies continue to be supplied. In addition, this larger lock can be used for drainage. This offers companies more certainty for sailing in and out with larger seagoing vessels.
Image: Project Nieuwe Sluis Terneuzen. Via this link, you can also view images of several ships passing through the lock. Impressive!
