Future of Kornwerderzand Lock uncertain due to rising costs, despite regional efforts

The planned modifications to the Kornwerderzand lock complex are in jeopardy due to significantly escalating costs. While the Port of Zwolle, northern regions, and local businesses see the widening and deepening of the lock as a major economic opportunity, the future of the project is now uncertain. Expectations are that the costs for the adjustments will be considerably higher, potentially jeopardizing the project’s continuation.

Regional contributions highlight unprecedented support

Regional authorities and businesses have managed to raise an impressive €69.5 million—a rare feat for an infrastructure project of this scale. It is particularly noteworthy that such a significant portion of the funding is coming from private enterprises and the local community, an occurrence seldom seen in similar projects.

Despite this collective regional effort, a financial gap remains that must be bridged to get the project off the ground. The lock modifications were initially estimated to cost €199.5 million, but recent calculations indicate that actual expenses will exceed this due to factors such as COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. The question now is where the additional funding will come from.

Economic opportunities at risk

For the Port of Zwolle, upgrading the lock is vital to allow larger ships access to ports in Kampen, Meppel, Zwolle, and other locations. This would enable regional businesses to tap into new markets and strengthen their logistical position. If the project does not proceed, it could result in a missed opportunity for economic growth and job creation in the region.

“Together with provinces, regional authorities, and organizations like Koninklijke Binnenvaart NL, Netherlands Maritime Technology (NMT), Evofenedex, VNO-NCW MKB Noord, VNO-NCW Midden, and MKB Regio Zwolle, we have been advocating for years about the importance of this new lock in developing the maritime economy across the entire IJsselmeer region. Entrepreneurs from Urk, Lelystad, Zwartewaterland, Lemmer, Makkum, Zwolle, Meppel, and Kampen highlight how they would benefit from the new lock, which would open up new markets, improve international connections, and attract investments to the region. Raising €69.5 million, with €26.5 million from individual entrepreneurs, is a remarkable achievement. It would be deeply disappointing if this long-term investment and future-oriented modification of the lock cannot proceed due to rising costs,” said Jeroen van den Ende, CEO of Port of Zwolle.

Call to action

The Port of Zwolle is urging the Dutch government to urgently seek solutions and provide additional funding to ensure the modifications can still be realized. “Regional authorities and businesses have taken responsibility and made a significant contribution. It is now up to the national government to not abandon this region and recognize the project’s importance for the Dutch economy,” Van den Ende emphasized.

The Kornwerderzand lock project is not only crucial for the economic development of IJsselmeer ports but also for strengthening the entire northern region as a logistics hub. However, without additional financial support, this opportunity risks being lost.