Prince Willem-Alexander Lock to be closed to inland waterway traffic
TOP MAGAZINE · Barge
The Prince Willem-Alexander Lock in Amsterdam will be closed to inland waterway traffic on 2 and 9 November 2026 between 05.00 and 08.00 due to major preparatory renovation work. Rijkswaterstaat warns of longer waiting times and urges operators to adjust their sailing schedules.
Short closure for preparatory surveys
The Prince Willem-Alexander Lock at the Schellingwoude lock complex in Amsterdam will be unavailable to inland waterway vessels on the Monday mornings of 2 and 9 November from 05:00 to 08:00. During this period, Rijkswaterstaat will be carrying out scans on the inner and outer heads of the lock gates. This survey is necessary to determine the exact dimensions of the lock components in preparation for the planned renovation. No vessels will be able to use the lock whilst this work is in progress.
The sector has been notified in advance of this brief closure via an official BAS notice. The closure may be slightly shorter if the work progresses more quickly.
Alternative routes and implications for inland waterway traffic
Vessels up to 95 metres in length can divert to the Middenkolk at the nearby Oranjesluizen during the closures. Despite this option, Rijkswaterstaat warns that this may lead to increasing waiting times, particularly once the Prins Willem-Alexander Lock reopens after 08:00.
The announced closures were communicated at short notice, which is putting pressure on some operators’ schedules. Rijkswaterstaat is doing everything in its power to minimise disruption, but acknowledges that disruption to the sector is unavoidable.
Future renovation and improvements
The closures are linked to the planned renovation of the Prince Willem-Alexander Lock, which is scheduled to begin in 2027. Various components of the lock are reaching the end of their technical service life. Following the scans, work will continue on replacing and refurbishing the lock gates, as well as carrying out repairs to damage caused by collisions.
Through these renovation initiatives, Rijkswaterstaat aims to improve the reliability of the lock complex and the flow of inland waterway traffic in the long term.
What does this mean for your consignment?
TOP’s assessment based on the above developments.
Planning
Inland waterway operators should allow for amended sailing schedules and possible waiting times on 2 and 9 November. Appropriate adjustments are required to minimise delays.
Costs
Companies with time-critical cargo, in particular, may face additional costs due to detours or delays at alternative locks, especially during peak periods following the closure.
Point to note
Check in advance the maximum vessel length when diverting to the Oranjesluizen (up to 95 metres) and follow the latest updates from Rijkswaterstaat on the progress of the works.
Sources
Image: TOP archive, for illustrative purposes.