EMDEN. The spare gate for the large maritime lock, weighing around 1,200 tonnes, has been launched in Eemshaven, the Netherlands. The heavy-lift barge ‘BHV Innovation’ successfully deployed the gate. Two tugs then transported the floating steel structure back across the River Ems to Emden. Shortly afterwards, it reached its designated mooring there. From 22 September, the spare gate is set to take over the position of the gate at the Binnenhaupt for around a year. This brings to an end the brief detour taken by the gate – which was manufactured in Bremerhaven – from Emden to Eemshaven and back. An initial attempt on 28 July had been abandoned in Emden’s inland port. Due to technical problems, the pontoon could not be lowered sufficiently at the intended location. Those involved therefore decided against continuing, as the operation had to be carried out safely and in a controlled manner at all times. The spare lock gate was manufactured by Stahlbau Nord GmbH in Bremerhaven. Measuring 42.6 metres in length, 19.9 metres in height and 7.9 metres in width, it is one of the largest individual components of the project.
Photo: Schleusener/NPorts
