The Krammersluizen locks between Volkerak-Zoommeer and the Oosterschelde have had one of their refurbished gates reinstalled. According to Rijkswaterstaat, the authority responsible for the Netherlands’ waterways, the component was transported to the lock complex by barge and push boat following its refurbishment in Vlissingen.
The gate measures 26 metres by four metres by twelve metres. Its return journey covered 70 kilometres, from the canal through Zuid-Beveland, via the Hansweert locks and the Oosterschelde, to the construction site. There, a heavy-lift crane vessel positioned the gate onto the lower rollers in the lock chamber within a single day. A specially developed positioning system was designed to enable installation with millimetre precision whilst submerged. The team had previously rehearsed the procedure on land.
Five weeks for connections and testing
According to Rijkswaterstaat, there are still around five weeks’ work to be done following the hoisting: the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems must be connected and thoroughly tested. The modernised gate must be able to operate in conjunction with the existing system, which is around 40 years old. It can only be put back into operation once the tests have been successfully completed.
New system to combat salt ingress
The four gates will be given an additional function as part of the refurbishment. Water can be directed to flow through the gates via openings and shut-off valves. This allows the water level in the chamber to be balanced and the salt water to be largely flushed out. Together with an air bubble curtain, this is intended to limit the influx of salt into the freshwater Volkerak-Zoom Sea.
The roller door now in place has been fitted with six large shutters, each approximately 1.60 metres in diameter. The hydraulics, steel structure and corrosion protection have also been upgraded.
Restrictions on sailors remain in place
The progress of the construction work does not mean unrestricted passage for recreational craft. According to the current plans, the northern chamber of the yacht lock will be completely closed from 14 September 2026 up to and including 9 May 2027. The southern chamber will also be affected at times. The Impact of the refurbishment on pleasure craft and the Staande Mastroute These therefore continue to apply to voyage planning between Dutch inland waterways and Zeeland.
Before a passage, skippers should Up-to-date information on roadworks and closures from Rijkswaterstaat Check. Further current roadworks and changes in the area can be found in the Netherlands District Update for 2026 in summary.
Book recommendation
Cruising Guide: Holland 1 By Jan Werner, this guide covers Zeeland and the southern provinces of the Netherlands. The guide thus covers the area around the Krammersluizen and complements the ‘Baunachricht’ with regional information to help you plan your next cruise. The revised 2025 edition comprises 224 pages. Current lock closures and last-minute changes to passage conditions must be checked separately before setting off.
Christian Tiedt
Editor Travel
