The construction of IJmuiden, the world's largest sea lock, is clearly well underway at the Port of Amsterdam after it shared this picture (above) showing the progress of the project as construction starts on the two lock heads and chamber.
The sea lock aims to improve the accessibility of the port for larger ships and is being managed by consortium OpenIJ, which will be responsible for the design, construction, financing and maintenance for a period of 26 years.
Outlines of the new lock are now visible from the air and the construction of the lock chamber walls is progressing by 7.5 metres each day.
The 15,000 TEU Triple E container ship Emma Maersk was used as the design vessel for the new lock, which will be 70 meters wide, 18 meters deep and 500 metres long.
Pontoons with cranes have been placed on both sides of the entrance to the North Lock and a wall is now being built on the north side.
A cofferdam, a watertight enclosure pumped dry to permit construction work, is also being created for the new inner lock head construction on the south side.
The European Investment Bank has assigned US$ 187.5 million to support the construction of IJmuiden.
