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The lock complex consists of three structures, each with four sluice gates. Two of the three structures are on Frisian territory and one on Groningen territory. The sluices are opened when there is low tide on the Wadden Sea. Excess water in the Lauwersmeer can thus flow into the Wadden Sea with natural decay.

Until 2012, consideration was given to installing a pumping station at the locks. After all, what to do when the Wadden Sea water is high due to north-westerly storms, there is a lot of rainfall, and the Lauwersmeer cannot discharge the water? The capacity of the pumping station should be about 3x the capacity of the Woude pumping station. The extremely high costs and very limited use of it were reasons to abandon it once and for all. In extreme circumstances, the Woudagemaal near Lemmer is used for mechanical pumping, to ensure that the Groningen and Frisian hinterland keeps dry feet. Renovation of the lock complex is currently taking place.