Willemsoord is the historic heart of Den Helder, centered on the former Rijkswerf Willemsoord — officially known as the Maritiem Etablissement Willemsoord.

The Natte Dok, a large rectangular wet dock measuring roughly 135 meters wide and 325 meters long, sits at the center of this historic naval yard and originally reached a depth of about 8 meters.

Construction of the complex began between 1812 and 1823, with the dock later expanded as Willemsoord grew in importance as a national shipyard. Currently, the area is accessible from the water on one side only.

A planned Willemsoord Canal Route aims to create a second water access point by reactivating the historic Boerenverdrietsluis lock, with realization targeted around 2027.

The project is being developed in coordination with the Royal Netherlands Navy to ensure it does not affect existing port or defence operations.