Posted on July 28, 2025
At present, the Rozenburg Lock (Rozenburgsesluis), through which some 20,000 vessels pass each year, is still operated 24/7 on site by lock keepers employed by Port of Rotterdam Authority. That is about to change: the Rozenburg Lock is undergoing a major renovation. Vialis will be carrying out the next phase of the renovation, and will also be responsible for long-term maintenance. To this end, Berte Simons (COO of Port of Rotterdam Authority) and Max Moerke (Managing Director of Vialis) signed the contract agreement this week.
The northern fender piles of the lock were already renovated in 2024, in the first phase. In this next phase, Vialis will carry out the complete renovation. This concerns the entire lock complex: the lock chamber including the lock gates, both bridges, the control and operating systems, the buildings and the outdoor area. In 2026, the Rozenburg Lock will be closed for six months due to the construction work.
Until not so long ago, Port of Rotterdam Authority employed 126 bridge and lock keepers. Many bridges and locks have now been transferred to the State and to the municipality of Rotterdam. At present, lock keepers employed by the Port Authority operate only one structure: the Rozenburg Lock. It was the first lock that could be operated by one person. And that was a major innovation when it was introduced in 1971.
This is now set to change. Following renovation work, which is scheduled for completion in 2027, employees of the Harbour Master’s Division will operate the Rozenburg Lock remotely. This will be done from the Rotterdam Traffic Center.
The purpose of the lock
The lock on Neckarweg near the village of Rozenburg connects the Calandkanaal and the Hartelkanaal for inland shipping. “The mere fact that some 20,000 vessels pass through here every year demonstrates just how important the lock is for the port of Rotterdam,” says COO Berte Simons. “Various parts of the lock are approaching the end of their technical service life, so renewal is necessary. Research shows that renovation is much more sustainable than constructing a new lock. I’m delighted that we’re able to take the next step in this together with Vialis.”
Christiaan van Es, project manager at Vialis, agrees. “The renovation of the Rozenburg Lock is a great integrated project at a key junction for shipping and road traffic in the port of Rotterdam. For these users, reliable renovation planning is essential, with safety always being the top priority. We’re extremely proud to be able to carry out this project together with and on behalf of Port of Rotterdam Authority.”
