Flemish government step closer to new Zeebrugge sea lock

The Flemish government has adopted a first draft for a new sea lock in Zeebrugge. The lock will replace the ageing Visart lock and is needed to ensure access to the inner harbour.

Flanders has had plans for a new sea lock in Zeebrugge for years. That new lock should provide a second access to the inner harbour. To separate port and through traffic from local traffic, there will also be a new connecting road. More than 20 possible variations of the project have been studied over the past few years, but now the government has approved the first draft. 

A public enquiry on the project proposal will start on 6 May. For 60 days, everyone will have a chance to look at all the documents and give feedback. This will allow the Flemish government to come up with a final project proposal. Residents and traders from the surrounding area will also be invited to an information session.

Zeebrugge residents are mostly concerned about disruptions as a result of the construction of the new lock, which will take more than a decade to complete. According to Flemish minister-president Jan Jambon, the draft is an important step. “With this proposal, we guarantee and improve the accessibility of the Zeebrugge port, which is important for further economic growth and thus for our prosperity.”

^{#FlandersNewsService | Vandamme sea lock in the port of Zeebrugge © BELGA PHOTO MAAIKE TIJSSENS}