Netherlands: Refurbishment of the Krammersluizen – disruption set to last for months

The works form part of the comprehensive refurbishment of the Krammersluizen complex in the south-west of the Netherlands. Among other things, Rijkswaterstaat is having the lock gates, chambers, technical installations, pumping station, buildings and waterways refurbished. For sailors and motorboat enthusiasts, the complex is an important passageway between the Volkerak-Zoommeer inland waterway and the Oosterschelde.

A yacht lock will be out of service until May

The northern chamber of the yacht lock, Jachtensluis 2, will be closed round the clock from 7.00 am on Monday 14 September 2026 until 5.00 pm on Sunday 9 May 2027. During this period, only the southern chamber, Jachtensluis 1, will generally be available for recreational boating.

However, this lock must also be closed at specific times to allow for construction work, meaning that significant delays are likely when passing through. Rijkswaterstaat therefore strongly advises recreational boaters to take alternative routes during these periods. Crews should plan according to precise times, particularly for weekend trips and boat transfers.

Timetable for full closures affecting pleasure craft

For sailors with a standing mast, there is a further restriction. Whilst the northern chamber of the commercial shipping lock, Duwvaartsluis 2, is closed, the standing-mast route via the Krammersluizen is impassable. The following periods are affected:

Rijkswaterstaat points out that the plans are subject to change. Skippers should therefore check the latest updates at Rijkswaterstaat on the refurbishment of the Krammersluizen and the official Waterway information check.

How do you plan your sailing trips when key locks and the ‘Staande-Mastroute’ are both subject to restrictions: by opting for longer legs, choosing alternative routes, or deliberately allowing more time?