What is changing at the Westerschelde Tunnel?
The Westerschelde Tunnel is a vital road link in the southwest of the Netherlands, connecting Zeeland Flanders with the rest of Zeeland and the wider region. During the repair works, only the western tube will be open. Traffic will pass through in both directions using regulated convoy driving, also known as block driving.
This keeps the tunnel accessible, but not without conditions. Every trip requires an exemption, and the number of available slots is restricted. In short: you can still get through, but only with the right permit and a solid plan.
A phased application process
Exemptions are being issued in several rounds. The first two application phases have already closed. Phase one was for fixed return trips on a recurring basis. Phase two focused on multiple individual trips.
Did your company miss these rounds, or did you not receive all the trips you requested? Then phase three is your next opportunity. And good to know: if a time slot was not granted earlier, that does not mean there will be no space later. Capacity is released in stages, so new options do become available.
How to reduce the impact on your business? Please contact team Trasegro.
Freight transport in category 4
For most shippers and transport companies, category 4 (freight and goods transport) is the relevant one. During peak hours, the necessity of each trip is assessed. Peak hours run on weekdays from 5:30 to 9:30 and from 14:30 to 18:30.
Trips that may qualify as necessary during these hours include:
- Goods transport tied to strict delivery times
- Deliveries where the receiver has insufficient stock
- Shipments where a delay could disrupt production
Freight that does not meet these conditions can still use the tunnel. Outside peak hours on weekdays, freight traffic gets priority if the point of departure or arrival is in Zeeland. That makes off-peak planning a smart move for many flows.
Phase 3 opens on 14 December
From 14 December, companies in categories 3, 4 and 5 can once again apply for individual trips. Applications can be submitted from four weeks up to seven days before the planned trip, as long as capacity is available. The rule is simple: first come, first served.
That means waiting is not an option. The companies that prepare early will have the best chance of securing the slots they need.
What should you do now?
A few practical steps will make a real difference in the weeks ahead:
- Map out which goods flows need to pass through the tunnel from 11 January onwards.
- Identify which trips are time critical and which can be moved to off-peak hours.
- Check that your account for the exemption system is in order. Organisations need a one-time validation through eHerkenning, the Dutch business login system, before they can apply.
- Align with customers and suppliers on delivery windows, stock levels and possible alternative routes.
How to keep your supply chain on track during the closure? Please contact team Trasegro.
Why convoy driving matters for trade and industry
Industry organisations and chain partners pushed for convoy driving as the most workable option for trading and manufacturing companies. And with good reason. Despite the works, it keeps limited two-way passage possible, which is essential for keeping critical goods flows running in and around Zeeland.
The challenge now is to make the system work in daily practice. That requires careful planning, flexibility and close coordination between shippers, carriers and receivers. With the right preparation, the closure does not have to bring your operations to a standstill.
Trasegro: Anything except standard. Logistics solutions for complex requirements.
With a strong focus on personal service and professionalism, Trasegro supports clients in navigating complex logistics challenges with flexible, reliable solutions.
What sets Trasegro apart is not just what we do but how we do it. We listen, communicate and act in partnership, responding quickly when it matters most. No one-size-fits-all approach but tailored solutions that fit your reality.
