The Netherlands, Bruinisse

Krammer locks

Revitalizing critical water infrastructure

Rijkswaterstaat is undertaking a major infrastructure renewal effort, starting with the extensive renovation of the Krammer locks. This project addresses decades of wear and tear on a key component of the Dutch Delta Works, ensuring continued safety, efficiency, and sustainability for years to come.

Project overview

The renovation contract was awarded to the ZEEKR joint venture, led by BESIX and including partners BESIX Unitec, Croonwolter&dros, Demako, Iemants, and Bosch Rexroth. The renovation of the Krammer locks will modernize and make the complex future-proof, faster, more sustainable, and fish-friendly. Key upgrades include new drive motors, floodgates, moving parts, and electrical systems, along with remote control capabilities. Notably, the project introduces an air-bubble system to separate fresh and saltwater in the push locks and adds a new sluice gate.

Scope of works

Within the ZEEKR consortium, BESIX Unitec and Croonwolter&dros - operating under the EnVastKrammersluizen (EVK) partnership - are responsible for all electrical and industrial automation systems. This includes replacing nearly all electrical installations and the entire power supply. A key goal is to significantly reduce energy consumption and modernize the control systems, enabling remote operation from the Neeltje Jans control centre.

Key highlights

Strategic importance: Over 60,000 vessels pass through the Krammer locks annually, making them a crucial link in international maritime logistics.
Part of the Delta Works: The locks are integrated into the Philipsdam, one of the 13 Delta Works designed to protect the Netherlands from the sea.
Aging infrastructure: Built in 1987, the locks are now undergoing their first major renovation after 35 years of service.
Smart planning: ZEEKR’s proposal includes robust planning, minimal disruption to users, and a strong focus on sustainability.
National priority: This project is part of a broader Rijkswaterstaat initiative to modernize infrastructure built in the 1960s and 80s, which has endured decades of increasingly heavy use.