Widening Juliana Canal

In August 2024, Rijkswaterstaat began the large-scale widening and deepening of the Juliana Canal. The aim of this project was to improve navigation on this important inland waterway. Thanks to these modifications, larger vessels can now pass through the canal more safely and efficiently, ensuring a smoother flow of shipping traffic.

In October 2024, we were commissioned by Van den Herik to carry out the work. Using our Waterking WK 220 NG-5, we were able to carry out work at sites where conventional crawler cranes cannot be used. Thanks to the design of this machine, it is possible to work safely on soft and difficult-to-access surfaces, without sinking into the ground or causing damage to the surrounding area.

Prior to the start of the work, our WK 220 NG-5 was fitted with a pressurised cabin. This feature was necessary as work might need to be carried out in areas with contaminated soil or water. The pressurised cabin protects the operator from inhaling harmful substances and ensures that work can be carried out safely even under these conditions.

The work was carried out according to plan and completed without any significant problems or delays.

Since April 2025, the refurbished Juliana Canal has been fully reopened to shipping. The canal is now suitable for two-barge convoys, meaning that vessels up to 190 metres long, 11.4 metres wide and with a draught of 3.5 metres can safely use this waterway.

We look back with pride on our contribution to this important infrastructure project and are delighted that our specialist knowledge and equipment have enabled us to contribute to a future-proof waterway link.