The IJmuiden
The IJmuiden Sea Lock, connecting the North Sea Canal to the Port of Amsterdam, is the largest sea lock in the world.
This vital maritime structure was designed to ensure smooth shipping operations and enable entry to large, modern vessels.
Features of the World’s Largest Sea Lock
- It measures 500 m lengthwise, and 70 m breadthwise and has an 18 m depth.
- The lock has steel-built gates that are 77 m wide, 25 m high and 11 m thick, each weighing 2400 tonnes. They have large sluices that allow water to flow at speeds of 2-3 metres per second, enabling efficient transit times of around 30 minutes.
- Approximately 50 to 60 vessels pass through the lock daily, though this number is expected to rise since Amsterdam is one of Europe’s busiest ports.
- The lock remains operational 24/7 and can accommodate vessels which are up to 339 m long and 57 m wide.
- It reduces waiting times for vessels and enhances cargo handling capacity.
- It was constructed by the Open IJ Consortium which included BAM-PGGM, VolkerWessels, and DIF.
- Work began in 2016 and ended in 2021, with IJnmuiden Sea Lock
Content Original Link:
Original Source MARINE INSIGHT www.marineinsight.com
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