Published on: December 11, 2025, 09:32 AM
The Wilhelminakanaal Sluis II project team looks back with satisfaction on 2025. Outside, little is visible yet, but inside, hard work has been done preparing for the demolition and reconstruction of Lock II and the completion of Lock III.
We started the year with a market consultation: a meeting where Rijkswaterstaat talks with contractors and engineering firms. They can then give their opinions on the assignment.
The meeting was well attended and we gathered many valuable insights. We used the markets feedback in preparing the tender. This ensures it aligns well with practice.
Important step towards implementation
In March, a governance agreement was signed by Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Barry Madlener, Alderman Rik Grashoff of Tilburg municipality, and Deputy Stijn Smeulders of North Brabant province.
This marked an important step towards implementation. Together, we work on the Wilhelminakanaal Sluis II project to improve Tilburgs accessibility via water.
Groundwater monitoring network
Passersby may encounter groundwater measuring tubes in public areas around Lock II. Here, we work underground to map groundwater levels. This helps us understand groundwater fluctuations.
In April 2025, we set up an extensive groundwater monitoring network around Lock II. Additionally, measuring pins were installed at various locations to monitor soil subsidence.
We do this because groundwater levels fluctuate due to rainfall and drought. Climate change causes increasingly extreme peaks and troughs. By starting measurements well before work begins, we get a picture of natural fluctuations.
This way, during work, we can better determine if changes in groundwater levels are due to the project, weather, or other factors, such as groundwater extraction nearby. We expect to share initial insights from the first year of monitoring after summer 2026.
Start of tender
Just before summer, in June 2025, we began searching for a party to build the new Lock II. The tender started with the publication of all tender documents.
Good cooperation is essential for joint success. Since September 2025, the dialogue phase has started with the party that applied to realize the project.
During this phase, dialogue meetings and specialist consultations take place to share information and understand the assignment well. The aim is for the candidate to come up with a feasible and low-risk design with a corresponding schedule to submit an offer.
Good preparation
We expect to complete the tender procedure in 2026. After that, it will take some time before outdoor work begins. The contractor must prepare well: create designs and work schedules, develop a safety and health plan, apply for permits, and reserve materials.
According to the provisional schedule, the first outdoor work will be visible at the end of 2027.
Economic boost
We expect the new lock to be operational before 2030. Then, in the Wilhelminakanaal in Tilburg, there will be a future-proof Lock II suitable for large vessels, the so-called class IV shipping.
Ships with larger loads can then sail towards the important transport hub Tilburg. This provides the region with an economic boost and reduces truck traffic and emissions on the road.
Outlook for 2026
Having taken several important steps last year, the outlook is that we will sign a contract with a contractor in 2026. We look forward to it and enter the new year full of energy.
