Obstructions

Obstruction near pumping station Abelstok

Due to maintenance work on the lock at Abelstok, it will be out of service from November 2 through November 8, 2026. As a result, navigation from the Hoornse Vaart and the Kromme Raken will be blocked at that location during this period. For more information: Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, Mr. E. Kort, tel. 050 3048857

Obstruction at Winsum

Due to a sporting event, the Winsumerdiep will be closed on 3 October 2026 between 10:30 and 12:30. During that period, vessel traffic will not be permitted on the stretch from the Marenland campground to De Braak. 

For more information: Ms I. Bonder, phone +31 (0)6-54152799

Obstruction Wijmers in Loppersum

Due to an incident at Brouwerstil, the bridge cannot be operated until further notice.
As a result, navigation on the Lopster Wijmers is obstructed at that location, insofar as it depends on bridge operation.

For more information: Eemsdelta Council, Mr B. De Vries, +31 (0)6 20038426.

Dredging work on the Molenrijgstermaar, Hunsingo canal, and Hoornsevaart Molenrijgstermaar

Starting 11 May 2026, dredging work will take place in the Molenrijgstermaar between Leens and the small harbour in Molenrij. A cutter suction dredger will be used for this work. The watercourse remains open to boat traffic, but please be aware of potential disruptions when passing the dredging rig and the floating pressure pipe.
Hunsingo canal and Hoornsevaart

In the coming period, to September 2026, dredging work will also take place on the Hunsingo canal and the Hoornsevaart, between Leens and Zoutkamp. The waterway will remain open during this work. However, passing through may take a little longer due to the presence of dredging equipment.

Contact person: Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, Mr C. Quint, tel. +31 (0)6-18300335

Obstruction Warhuisterloopdiep

From 1 June 2026 to 2 October 2026, a sheet pile wall will be installed in the Warfhuisterloopdiep. As a result, the stretch between Warfhuizen and the Douwenstertil will be closed to navigation.

For more information: Hogeland Council, Mr Mark Truin, tel. +31 (0)6-20804565

No operation of Westerwijtwerderdraai

Due to an incident and renovation work, the Westerwijtwerderdraai will be out of service until 2 October 2026. As a result, there is no passage from Boterdiep to Westerwijtwerd via the Westerwijtwerdermaar to the Damsterdiep, insofar as it depends on bridge operation.
Clearance height of the main fairway: approx. 1 metre. 

The Stedum marina is only accessible from Damsterdiep via Westerwijtwerdermaar.

More information: Eemsdelta Council, Mr B. de Vries, tel. 140596 (without area code)

Roggenkamp lock in Delfzijl out of service

Due to maintenance work, the Roggenkamp Lock in Delfzijl will be out of service from 7:00 a.m. on October 26 through 4:00 p.m. on December 18, 2026. As a result, “ passage ” will not be possible between the Oude Eemskanaal and the Damsterdiep in either direction. The bridges crossing the Klievemaar, both adjacent and nearby, will also be inoperable during this period. Recreational boats can take a detour via the Groeve Noord navigation lock .
For more information: Municipality of Eemsdelta, Mr. B. de Vries, tel. 0596 639000
 

Disruption to recreational boating in the Hunsingo canal in Zoutkamp

Due to the demolition of the H.D. Louwes pumping station, construction work is taking place in and around the Hunsingo canal. As a result, recreational boating may be temporarily disrupted. The work is expected to be completed by early 2027.

During the work, there may be brief, temporary closures and restrictions on navigation. In addition, work vessels, construction equipment, and other obstacles may be present in or along the waterway.

Recreational boaters are asked to approach the region with caution, follow the instructions of the contractor, and be prepared for possible delays. The work will be carried out with the least possible disruption to recreational boating. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Contact person: E. Ottens, phone number +31 (0)651403752.

Questions about waterways and obstructions

If you have any questions about the above obstructions, please contact the designated contact person. For general questions about waterways or to request a waterway closure, please contact A. Groeneveld (waterway manager), telephone number +31 (0)50 304 8911.

There are no obstructions for road traffic.