North Sea Port announces October opening for Terneuzen lock
North Sea Port's new lock in Terneuzen will be opened in October, the port company reported on Wednesday. This will mark the official opening of one of the most important infrastructure projects in the history of the Ghent-based port.
The lock, which will allow the passage of larger seagoing vessels, has been under discussion since 2005. It should give companies in the Canal Zone room to grow, as larger ships will allow them to transport more goods per voyage. This should mean a reduction in logistics costs that will increase competitiveness. It will also increase the port's operational safety and efficiency.
The opening of the North Sea Locks will be accompanied by an open day for visitors.
Construction in the Dutch municipality of Terneuzen, just across the border north of Ghent, started in 2017. However, the project has been delayed by PFOS contamination, underground obstacles and the pandemic. The completion date has already been postponed twice. The cost has also risen to over 1 billion euros. The lock is on Dutch territory, but Belgium is footing most of the bill.
#FlandersNewsService | The North Sea Port in Terneuzen © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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