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Introduction
Willemsoord is a national monument and forms the historical heart of Den Helder’s maritime identity. Currently, the area is only accessible to recreational craft from one side. This limits its use and means that the possibilities for experience, recreation and economic activity are not being fully exploited. A second access via the water could increase the vibrancy of and around Willemsoord.
It could also provide a better connection for recreational craft between the city and the maritime heart, and strengthen the coherence between city and port.
The municipality of Den Helder has conducted research into the possibilities of restoring the Boerenverdrietsluis and making it suitable for recreational use. This research has now been completed and shows the opportunities and preconditions for making Willemsoord accessible again from two sides. Emphasis has been placed on the coherence with a well-functioning seaport, so that new investments do not compromise the operational capacity or accessibility of the port area.
Insight into what it yields
The municipality and the province of Noord-Holland have been working together since 2023 to stimulate water recreation and strengthen the maritime experience in the city. In December 2025, the municipal council will take a decision on the future of the Boerenverdrietsluis. The final choices will be made based on the added value for Den Helder, the spatial and economic effects, the technical feasibility and the available resources. What can it deliver:
- Recreational craft from the city can reach Willemsoord more easily.
- More activity on and around Willemsoord.
- Stronger relationship between the Koopvaardersbinnenhaven and Willemsoord.
- More flexibility during work or events.
- An alternative to the Zeedoksluis.
Project leader of Vaarroute Willemsoord
A restored Boerenverdrietsluis makes Willemsoord accessible again from two sides. This increases the vibrancy of and around the area, stimulates water recreation and strengthens the bond between city and port.
News
Project planning
Overview of involved parties
Studies
Frequently asked questions
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions that we regularly receive.
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.
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