Heijmans to continue maintenance of Lemmer-Delfzijl main waterway for the next six years

Royal Heijmans, as part of a consortium, has been awarded the contract for the maintenance of the Lemmer-Delfzijl main waterway. This assignment reinforces Heijmans’ strategic focus on recurring business: long-term maintenance contracts that contribute to stable revenue and predictability within the company’s Connecting segment. The total contract value is approximately €31 million, with Heijmans holding a 50% share.

Commissioned by the Department of Waterways and Public Works (Rijkswaterstaat), the contract covers integrated maintenance of a complex and vital part of the Dutch waterway infrastructure. The Lemmer-Delfzijl route includes around 25 (movable) bridges, 7 locks, and spans a total of 118 kilometers. The contract duration is six years, with an optional two-year extension. It focuses on integrated, data-driven asset management, where collaboration is key to successful execution. Maintenance activities will span civil engineering, mechanical and electrical systems, industrial automation, and information services, including a 24/7 emergency response service.

Continuity and partnership

Heijmans will carry out the work in partnership, as it did under the previous performance-based contract for this waterway. “We are proud to have earned Rijkswaterstaat’s trust once again and to continue maintaining this strategic main waterway. This award is a recognition of the quality and reliability we have delivered since 2019,” said Bart Smolders, director Infra at Heijmans.

Sustainable and future-proof execution

A significant portion of the work will be carried out using zero-emission equipment. This aligns with Heijmans’ sustainability strategy ‘Together towards 2030’, aimed at making a positive impact on climate, biodiversity, and water through all its activities. The contract contributes to a cleaner living environment with minimal CO₂ emissions.

Smart maintenance through digitalization

Under the maintenance contract, Heijmans will leverage data and smart technologies to make operations more efficient, predictable, and safe. This project supports the strategic pillar of ‘Producibility’ (new window), where Heijmans focuses on digitalisation and standardisation to achieve more with fewer resources.