King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and King Philippe of Belgium have officially inaugurated the Nieuwe Sluis Terneuzen (New Lock Terneuzen) in the Netherlands.
Two days ago, the Kings signaled the first ship – a bulk carrier – to sail through the lock, marking the completion of this ambitious construction project. The Nieuwe Sluis enhances access from the Westerschelde to the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, providing a major economic boost to both the Netherlands and Belgium.
It also plays a critical role in European inland shipping, with ongoing efforts to strengthen the Seine and Scheldt connections.
The facts about the lock: ? 427 m long, 55 m wide, and 16.44 m deep, ? Can accommodate vessels up to 366 m long, 49 m wide, and 14.5 m draft, ? 11.5 million m³ of soil excavated, ? 60,000 tonnes of steel used in the construction.