Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about Maritime Cluster
You can reach us via our contact form on the website or by telephone via the general telephone number of the municipality of Den Helder: 14 0223 (Monday to Thursday 8.30 AM – 4.00 PM and Friday 8.30 AM – 12.00 PM).
This website is designed to share information about developments in the Maritime Cluster Den Helder. In addition, this website offers residents and other interested parties the opportunity to remain actively involved in progress and decision-making.
The port is the economic engine of Den Helder. Maritime companies, Defence, offshore energy and ship maintenance come together here. The port provides jobs, innovation and a strong connection between the city and the sea.
We are building a strong and future-proof port that offers space for offshore energy, maritime maintenance, logistics, the manufacturing industry and sustainable fuels.
We are working on good accessibility, extra quay and development space and redevelopment of existing locations for innovative companies. Kooyhaven will also play an important role as a logistical transshipment location within the Pitstop Haven concept.
The city and the port are growing closer together. Willemsoord is developing into a maritime center with space for recreational boating, tourism, offices and accommodation on Buitenveld. This creates a lively district with maritime heritage, where you can work, learn and recreate.
There will be more attention for fast and safe connections for everyone: from freight traffic to cyclists and students. Fewer traffic jams, less emissions and better accessibility to the city, port and Texel.
Den Helder is growing economically, but remains true to its character: maritime, hospitable and innovative. The city is becoming more attractive to live, work and visit – while retaining its unique identity by the sea.
You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates and news about our activities and events.
Frequently asked questions about participation
The municipality of Den Helder, the province of North Holland, and the Ministry of Defence actively involve residents, entrepreneurs, companies, and other stakeholders in the plans for the Maritime Cluster of Den Helder. Everyone can contribute ideas about the future of the port area.
We actively invite anyone who lives, works, or is active in or around the Nieuwe Diep – Nieuwe Werk area: residents, entrepreneurs, interest groups, and other stakeholders. Regional parties such as Port
of Den Helder, the Hoogheemraadschap (water authority), Rijkswaterstaat (Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management), TESO, and local associations are also actively involved. Other interested parties can attend the public information evenings and participation sessions.
The project team organizes information meetings, individual discussions, and consultation moments with an advisory group. This allows stakeholders to share their ideas, concerns, and wishes and contribute to a future-proof port.
Participation focuses on three major projects:
- The redesign of the road Het Nieuwe Diep – Nieuwe Werk
- The renewal and relocation of the Moormanbrug (Moorman Bridge)
- The realization of the Ravelijnbrug (Ravelijn Bridge)
In addition, the development of Buitenveld – the new accommodation location for naval personnel – also plays an important role in the area development.
The meetings will discuss, among other things, how the port can develop in the coming years, how we can work together towards a sustainable and future-proof port, and what opportunities and challenges there are for the city, businesses, and residents.
The municipality and project partners are organising information evenings and participation sessions, such as the meeting on the draft design on 15 October 2025. In addition, there is an advisory group that provides solicited and unsolicited advice to the project leaders and administrators. Residents and companies can respond to plans via opinions and consultation moments.
The advisory group consists of 10 to 20 representatives of residents, entrepreneurs, and organizations from the area. They actively contribute ideas about the developments, identify opportunities and bottlenecks, and advise the project teams. Their input is seriously considered in the planning process, with clear feedback on what happens with their input.
‘Dialogue on the Quay’ is the participation and communication plan for the development of the Maritime Cluster in Den Helder. The plan describes how residents, entrepreneurs, companies, and organizations are involved in the plans for the Nieuwe Diep – Nieuwe Werk area, including the Ravelijnbrug, Moormanbrug, and Buitenveld. The document can be viewed here.
The aim is to work together with the environment on plans that are widely supported. By communicating in a timely and open manner, the parties involved – municipality, province, and Defence – want to ensure that residents and entrepreneurs are well informed, can contribute ideas, and share their concerns or ideas. This will make the port area future-proof and ensure that the city remains easily accessible.
This can be done in several ways:
- Through information evenings and participation sessions, where plans are explained and feedback can be given.
- By participating in the advisory group Developments area Nieuwe Diep/Nieuwe Werk, which provides solicited and unsolicited advice to the project leaders.
- Via the digital platform ingesprek.denhelder.nl, where residents and entrepreneurs can give their opinion online.
- By sending an e-mail to info@maritiemclusterdenhelder.nl.
2025 – Start of broad participation: information meetings, a baseline measurement (survey), and the formation of the advisory group.
2026–2027 – Working on design choices and consultation moments on traffic, quality of life, and sustainability.
2028 – Preparation for implementation. Stakeholders remain involved via newsletters, consultation hours, and meetings.
2029–2032 – Realization phase: communication about work, nuisance, and progress.
Frequently asked questions about The Moorman Bridge
The Vice-Admiral Moorman Bridge is nearing the end of its technical lifespan. This means that after years of use, it is due for replacement. By making plans for a new bridge now, we ensure that everything remains safe and works well in the future.
Relocating the Moorman Bridge will create more space along the quay for large ships, such as naval vessels and other seagoing vessels.
The project is still in its early stages. Currently, a list of requirements that the new bridge must meet is being worked on.
By regularly inspecting and maintaining the Moorman Bridge, it will remain safe, reliable, and usable until the new bridge is ready.
Yes, the surrounding area will be involved at the appropriate time. Discussions are taking place with surrounding businesses and residents. Various studies are also being conducted – such as on traffic and nature – to obtain a good and complete picture of the surrounding area.
Questions and comments can be emailed to the Government Real Estate Agency: Postbus.RVB.KopvanNH@Rijksoverheid.nl
Frequently asked questions about Buitenveld
Buitenveld is a part of Willemsoord in Den Helder. In the coming years, the Ministry of Defence will develop a new, modern, and sustainable accommodation complex at Buitenveld. It will be a place with approximately 1,200 accommodation rooms, office space, and supporting facilities for the Royal Navy personnel. The project is part of the broader maritime and urban development of Den Helder.
The renovation is necessary to better accommodate the Ministry of Defence personnel and to create space on the naval base itself.
The preparation phase runs from 2023 up to and including 2027. If everything goes according to plan, construction will start around 2028 and Buitenveld will be completed between 2029 and 2030. The implementation of the housing is planned for the years 2028 to 2030. Maintenance work on the existing quays and the Waddenzee building may start earlier.
The Waddenzee building will be preserved due to its historical value for Den Helder. Major maintenance will be carried out on the building in the coming
years to be able to use it again as an office.
Buitenveld ensures a connection between the naval base and the city. With approximately 1200 Ministry of Defence employees
who will live and work in the area, it will contribute to the quality of life and is expected to
have a positive effect on the economic developments in and around Willemsoord. In addition, Buitenveld makes a valuable contribution to the general urban development by filling a vacant site with respect for the historical appearance of Willemsoord.
The redevelopment of the Buitenveld defence location is currently (autumn 2025) in the preparation phase. This phase includes determining which permit procedures with associated deadlines must be followed. In addition, preparatory investigations and activities will have to be carried out on the location.
More information can be found in this article.
Frequently asked questions about the redevelopment of the Nieuwe Diep/Nieuwe Werk
The Nieuwe Diep and Nieuwe Werk are important roads between the naval port and the city of Den Helder. The idea is that they – together with a new Ravelijnbrug bridge – will form a new traffic artery. The redevelopment will make the roads safer and more suitable for cars, freight traffic, cyclists and pedestrians.
The new design improves the accessibility of the port and the city, ensures a better flow of traffic and increases the quality of life. The civil port and local companies also benefit from the improved infrastructure.
The redevelopment is a collaboration between the municipality of Den Helder, the province of Noord-Holland, the Ministry of Defence and Port of Den Helder. The Hollands Noorderkwartier district water board is also involved. Together, they ensure a coherent development of infrastructure and the area.
There is a preliminary schedule: preparations will run from 2026 to 2027. In 2026, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and the development framework will be established, among other things. In 2027, the decision-making on the
environmental plan will follow. The execution is scheduled for the period 2028–2032.
The municipality and project partners are organising information evenings and participation sessions, such as the meeting on the draft design on 15 October 2025. In addition, there is an advisory group that provides solicited and unsolicited advice to the project leaders and administrators. Residents and companies can respond to plans via opinions and consultation moments.
In the first half of 2026, we will organise another meeting for local residents and companies in the Nieuwe Diep/Nieuwe Werk area.
Frequently asked questions about the Ravelijn Bridge
The Ravelijnbrug is a new movable bridge over the Koopvaarders inner harbor, near the Koopvaarders lock. The bridge is part of a continuous route over the Nieuwe Diep/Nieuwe Werk towards the harbor and helps to disentangle the various traffic flows in Den Helder.
Traffic to the naval port, the civilian port and the TESO ferry port now all travels via the N250 through the city, which causes congestion and traffic jams. The Ravelijnbrug allows some of the traffic to turn off earlier towards the harbor. This reduces traffic in the center and improves traffic flow.
- Less traffic and congestion in the center
- Better accessibility to the port and Texel
- Improved quality of life and a more attractive city
The project is part of the Administrative Agreement on the Development of the Maritime Cluster, a collaboration between the province of Noord-Holland, the municipality of Den Helder and the Ministry of Defense. The province of Noord-Holland is in charge of the project. Port of Den Helder and the Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier are also involved.
The province is currently investigating the most promising location for the bridge. The intention is to determine a preferred location in the first quarter of 2026.
Residents, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders can contribute ideas through information evenings and online participation at ingesprek.denhelder.nl.
During these moments, studies and draft designs are explained and reactions can be given. All input is taken into account in the further elaboration of the plans.
Frequently asked questions about Willemsoord waterway
Willemsoord is the historical heart of Den Helder. Currently, the area can only be accessed from one side via the water. With the Willemsoord Canal Route, we are investigating how we can reuse the Boerenverdrietsluis lock, creating a second access point via the water. This will make the area more vibrant and better connected to the city.
The intention is to create a fully-fledged canal route through the Boerenverdriet for recreational and commercial shipping. The intention to make the Boerenverdriet a fully-fledged canal route is laid down in the administrative agreement of June 29, 2023, with the province of North Holland and the Ministry of Defence as
part of the Maritime Cluster.
This is important for shipping safety and also provides a boost to the development of the city center and the retail sector of Den Helder. The extent to which the canal route is feasible and/or desirable has been investigated.
The municipality of Den Helder, together with Zeestad and consultancy firm Sweco, investigated what is technically, spatially, and financially possible. This involved looking at various scenarios: from minor adjustments to a fully open canal route. Consideration has also been given to heritage, safety, water quality, and the
operation of the port. Read the Feasibility Study Willemsoord Canal Route (scenario study) here.
The preferred variant is the restoration of the Boerenverdrietsluis lock as a barrier lock. This means that the lock will be renovated and made mechanically operated, but will not become a fully-fledged lock. The lock will therefore primarily remain a water barrier, but can be opened on special occasions, such as during events, for recreational boating, or as a temporary diversion route during work.
- Pleasure craft from the city can sail more easily to Willemsoord.
- More vibrancy on and around the water.
- Better connection between Koopvaardersbinnenhaven and Willemsoord.
- Extra flexibility during work or malfunctions elsewhere.
- A stronger link between the city, the port, and maritime heritage.
No. The plans have been coordinated with the Royal Netherlands Navy and take into account the operation of the port. The second access point will be designed in such a way that the safety and accessibility of the working port are not compromised.
The Boerenverdrietsluis lock and Willemsoord are national monuments. We are restoring the existing lock, instead of carrying out major renovations. This will preserve the historical appearance, but will give it a practical function for the city.
- July 8, 2025 – presentation of feasibility study
- October 27, 2025 – informative evening about the preferred variant
- October 28, 2025 – participation evening with residents and stakeholders
- December 2, 2025 – committee meeting
- December 15, 2025 – expected decision by the municipal council
- If the municipal council agrees, implementation can start in 2027.
The municipality of Den Helder, the province of North Holland, Zeestad, and the Royal Netherlands Navy are working together within the Maritime Cluster Den Helder. Together, they ensure a future-proof port area in which the city, the port, and the sea remain connected.
Subscribe to the newsletter
We would like to keep you informed of developments in the Maritime Cluster. We do this via our website and also via our newsletters. The newsletter is published four times a year.
View previous editions of the Maritime Cluster newsletter here
"*" indicates required fields
* In our privacy statement you can read how your data is processed.
Join us via our participation platform
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet