Note on Scope and Level of Detail available for inspection
The Scope and Level of Detail Note (NRD) for the Maritime Cluster Den Helder will be available for public review starting February 16, 2026. The NRD is the first step in the environmental impact assessment for the port's development. This document outlines the environmental impacts being assessed and how they will be conducted. The documents will be available for public review for six weeks, until March 30, 2026. During this period, anyone can review the documents and submit comments to the municipality of Den Helder.
Why this development is important
The port of Den Helder is strategically important for national security and for the energy supply at and from sea. Therefore, the Ministry of Defence, the province of North Holland, and the municipality of Den Helder have been collaborating since 2020 on plans for a sustainable, future-proof, and easily accessible port. Several closely intertwined projects are underway within the Maritime Cluster. Therefore, they are being addressed collaboratively.
Views and follow-up procedure
The municipality of Den Helder is the first point of contact for questions, comments, and opinions. All comments received will be incorporated into the preparation of the final NRD. This final version forms the basis for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and the accompanying program. The documents can be viewed online at www.maritiemclusterdenhelder.nl/nrd. They can also be viewed at City Hall, Willemsoord 66, Den Helder. For more information, please contact Diane Hoedjes, policy advisor for the municipality of Den Helder, at [email protected] (referring to 'NRD').
Submit comments
Comments can be submitted in writing or by email to the municipality Den Helder:
▪ E-mail: [email protected] (quoting 'Opinion NRD Development Maritime Cluster Den Helder').
▪ Postal address: Municipality Den Helder, attn. Environment Team (Mrs. Diane Hoedjes), Postbus 36, 1780 AA
Den Helder.
What exactly is in the NRD
The Scope and Level of Detail Note (NRD) specifies which environmental impacts are examined in the environmental impact report (EIR) and how this is done. This includes impacts on traffic, air quality, nautical safety, water, archaeology, and nature. A total of seven projects are included in this environmental study: the Moorman Bridge, the Nieuwe Diep/Nieuwe Werk, the Ravelijn Bridge, the Nieuwe Diep Defense Quay, the Buitenveld development, the ferry terminal approach area, and the Van Kinsbergen Bridge.
The NRD ensures that research can be carried out in a targeted and efficient manner and thus forms an important basis for the choices made later in the programme.
Mayor Jan de Boer, also on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Province of North Holland as partners in the Maritime Cluster, emphasizes the importance of a careful and transparent procedure: "With this NRD, we are jointly taking an important first step in the environmental impact assessment. It's essential for us that everyone has the opportunity to participate and contribute their views. The feedback from the responses will help us conduct the follow-up studies as effectively and completely as possible."“
About the Maritime Cluster
The province of North Holland, the municipality of Den Helder, and the Ministry of Defence are collaborating on the development of the Den Helder port. This will improve the accessibility, quality of life, and economy of the port and the region. The Royal Netherlands Navy will have more room to grow. Work is also underway on the energy transition, including offshore wind. For more information, see: www.maritiemclusterdenhelder.nl.
