The western passage of the South Holland Deep (ZHD) will be partially opened for destination traffic originating from and/or destined for the ports of Moerdijk, including the Shell docks and the dredging depot Hollandsch Diep, on Thursday afternoon, April 17, 2025.
The navigation ban remains in effect for:
- Vessels originating from and/or destined for the Roode Vaart inlet harbor. These vessels are required to use the eastern passage.
- Through shipping traffic without a destination in the Moerdijk harbor area.
- All forms of recreational (tourist) navigation and fishing.
Buoyage Adjusted
As a result of the partial opening of the western passage, the buoyage has been adjusted on both the east and west sides.
- On the east side, the green and red markings have been swapped from the separation of the Hollandsch Diep (HD) with the South Holland Deep (at buoy HD 51A-ZHD 28). The red marking is now on the right bank and the green marking on the left bank. The blunt blind buoy ZHD 6 has been included.
- A new navigation channel has been marked on the west side of the South Holland Deep that connects between the green buoys HD 25 and HD 27 to the main marking in the Hollandsch Diep. The marked secondary navigation water is approximately 100 m wide.
The new navigation channel in the western passage of the South Holland Deep is secondary navigation water relative to the marked main navigation channel in the Hollandsch Diep.
Recreational Navigation Can Cross Western Navigation Channel
Recreational navigation, including sailors, may cross this new navigation channel. Caution is therefore required! The recreational buoyage returns every year and is located on a depth line of approximately 2.50 m.
Safe Passage of Shell Docks
Due to the handling of hazardous materials at the Shell docks, inland shipping skippers are requested to pay close attention and to pass the Shell T-dock at a safe distance.
Use VHF Channels 10 and 12
Destination traffic crossing the western passage is advised to report this on VHF channel 12 to the Moerdijk Harbor Communication Center (HMCC). The HMCC continuously monitors the passage with a camera system. VHF channel 10 remains, as now, the navigation channel in the South Holland Deep.
More Information on the Western Passage of the South Holland Deep
See the messages to shipping at Navigation Information and the updated navigation charts or the water charts from the Hydrographic Service (1800 series). Further information can be obtained from the Regional Traffic Center Dordrecht via VHF channel 71.