Flevoland’s provincial authorities are set to decide whether to proceed with the Maritime Service Port of North Flevoland outside the dike between Urk and the Ketelbrug. The project, under development since 2016, would cover about ten hectares and include roughly one kilometre of quay. It is intended to support the regional maritime sector and create an estimated 550 to 750 jobs.

The province is considering a substantial increase to the project’s investment credit because higher material, energy and personnel costs and rising interest rates have made the existing budget insufficient for a responsible tender. The amount under discussion remains confidential. A closed meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, with a public decision expected next week. Continuing could require a sum that would take at least 70 years to repay. Cancelling would reportedly cost the province about €2 million already invested, while businesses involved in the plan would receive about €250,000 back. The business community has urged the province to continue.