Upgrade Twente Canal, upgrading from ECMT IV to ECMT Va

The Twente canals are important logistical links for transporting goods by water to the ports of Almelo, Hengelo and Enschede. Transport via the Twente canals will increase in the coming years.

The Twente Canal has undergone a major transformation, upgrading it from ECMT IV to ECMT Va class. This extensive upgrade involved several key sections, including the crossing between the IJssel and Eefde, the section from Delden to Enschede and the connection to Almelo.

This ambitious project covered approximately 32 km of canal and significantly improved its capacity and navigability.

This upgrade was strategically aimed at removing existing physical bottlenecks to accommodate larger vessels, thereby enhancing the canal's role in facilitating cross-border freight transport.

Accommodating larger vessels

The improvements included extensive dredging and the replacement of sheet piling and embankments. These improvements were critical to accommodate the increased load and traction of larger vessels and to prevent sedimentation in the newly classified ECMT Va channel.

Contributing to the local economy

By enabling smoother and more efficient freight movements, this upgrade not only improves local connectivity but also makes a significant contribution to the regional economy by streamlining cross-border transport routes.

Period

April 2017 - March 2024

Programme

Connecting Europe Facility

Project website

Widening the Twente canals

Partners

Gemeente Hengelo, Provincie Overijssel, Gemeente Almelo, Port of Twente, KNI, Rouwmaat Groep