New Waterway Canal

canal, Netherlands

Also known as: Nieuwe Waterweg

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

The New Waterway is a canal in the Netherlands that connects the port city of Rotterdam to the North Sea. It was dug between 1866 and 1872 to allow larger oceangoing steamships access to Rotterdam's port facilities. The canal extends from Rotterdam eastward to IJmuiden on the North Sea coast and is 24 km (15 miles) long. It has been enlarged multiple times and can accommodate large vessels, making Rotterdam a major global port. The New Waterway is crucial for Rotterdam's economy, which is heavily reliant on shipping and transit trade.12

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harbours and sea works
The Delta Plan
…the channel known as the New Waterway from the Hook of Holland.
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…the channel known as the New Waterway from the Hook of Holland.
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Netherlands
Drainage and dikes
…dams were constructed in the New Waterway, which links Rotterdam to the North Sea, or the West Schelde, an approach to Antwerp, Belgium. The dikes along these waterways consequently had to be strengthened.
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…dams were constructed in the New Waterway, which links Rotterdam to the North Sea, or the West Schelde, an approach to Antwerp, Belgium. The dikes along these waterways consequently had to be strengthened.
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Rhine River
Physiography
Since 1872, however, the New Waterway Canal, constructed to improve access from the North Sea to Rotterdam, has been the main navigation link between the Rhine and the sea; along this canal was built Europoort, one of the world’s largest ports.
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Since 1872, however, the New Waterway Canal, constructed to improve access from the North Sea to Rotterdam, has been the main navigation link between the Rhine and the sea; along this canal was built Europoort, one of the world’s largest ports.
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