Dutch transport authority RWS has announced it has awarded the Eefde lock PPP project in the Netherlands to a consortium called Lock to Twente (L2T).

L2T is a collaboration between TBI (PPP expertise and capital), Mobilis (civil engineering) and Croo Wolter & dross (electrical engineering), all belonging to the TBI Group (Engineering, Construction and Infrastructure).

RWS selected the winner in this tender based on a combination of price and quality, also called "Economic Most Advantageous Tender".

The private developer is responsible for the finance, design, build and maintain of the second expansion of the lock chamber at Eefdefor for a concession period of 27 years. The construction works are expected to begin in 2017. It is planned that the first ships sail through the new lock in 2020.

The award is provisional as there is a period of 20 days to make objections.

Consortia formed by Besix/Rebel and CFE/Cofely submitted also its proposals for the project.

The lock complex is located on the Twentekanaal (Twente Canal) and it is a national monument that was built in 1933. It is used by The Department of Waterways and Public Works for water management and shipping. 

The lock is comprised of two heads, separated by a lock chamber 12 meters wide and 140 meters long. The upper part of the lock borders the Twente Canal while the lower part of the lock is the main access route to the IJssel.

The construction of a second chamber and the widening of the canal means that transporting freight by water remains a financially attractive alternative to transportation by road. By using two lock chambers, waiting times for ships will be reduced and this means they will be able to reach their destination faster.