For the realization of the Wilhelminakanaal Lock II project in Tilburg, a contractor consortium has registered via TenderNed. Rijkswaterstaat is pleased that with the start of the dialogue phase, the next step will be taken.
The aim is to award the contract for the project in the 2nd quarter of 2026, so that the canal is suitable for larger class IV vessels with a draft of 2.80 m before 2030.
Rijkswaterstaat, together with the municipality of Tilburg and the province of North Brabant, is the initiator for the demolition and reconstruction of Lock II in Tilburg. These 3 parties all contribute to the financing of this project, which is part of the upgrade of the Wilhelminakanaal. Currently, the canal is not navigable for class IV vessels from the inflow of the Donge towards Tilburg.
Earlier in 2025, an extensive market consultation took place. The tender began on June 17, with the publication of the contract on TenderNed. Market parties interested in executing the contract could register until July 18. It is now known that 1 candidate has done so, allowing the next step to the dialogue phase to be taken.
Dialogue Phase
In the coming months, the focus will be on the dialogue phase. This means that we will explore with the contractor consortium which solutions best fit the requirements. This phase consists of a general information meeting, discussions with the contractor consortium, and a written question round. Afterward, it is up to the candidate to submit a suitable and definitive registration for the realization of the Wilhelminakanaal Lock II project.
Registration, Assessment, and Award
The registration must be submitted in the 1st quarter of 2026. If Rijkswaterstaat assesses the registration positively, the award will take place in the 2nd quarter. After signing the contract, the tendering process will be completed.
After that, some patience is required. Outside, nothing will be immediately visible, but behind the scenes, the engineering phase will begin. We will steadily work on the preparations. The actual construction is expected to begin in the 1st 3 months of 2028. We will try to minimize disruption as much as possible, but closure of the Wilhelminakanaal is unavoidable during the demolition and reconstruction. This closure period will last a maximum of 18 months.
Future-Proof Lock
The goal is that before 2030, the 1st ships with a larger cargo can pass through the lock. A future-proof lock not only gives the Tilburg junction an economic boost but also reduces traffic on the roads and decreases CO₂ emissions.