New Gate Installed at Moselle Lock Following Ship Accident

A new lock gate has been installed in Müden following a ship collision that caused significant damage. The installation process, involving the careful positioning of two heavy gate leaves, was completed successfully. Preparations for test lockages are underway, with regular operations expected to resume in early February. The incident has prompted calls for faster repairs and expansion of locks, as investigations into the collision’s financial repercussions continue.

New Lock Gate Installed at Müden Following Collision

In early December, a significant incident occurred at the Moselle lock when a ship collided with the gate, causing severe damage. Fortunately, a new gate has now been successfully installed, and preparations are underway for the first test lockages, which are set to commence in about a week.

Installation Process and Future Steps

The installation of the new gate in Müden commenced shortly after eight o’clock, with the gate leaves now securely placed in the lock chamber. The final stages of the installation required the gate leaves, each weighing approximately 41 tons, to be carefully loaded onto a truck using a crane. The truck then maneuvered slowly to the lock chamber, where another crane lowered the gate leaves into position.

Ensuring a precise fit was crucial during the installation process. Ulrich Zwinge from the Waterways and Shipping Office (WSA) expressed his satisfaction with the day’s progress, stating, “The whole process went very well, and the new gates are in place.” A dedicated team of about 40 employees collaborated on the installation, and in the coming days, the necessary technology will be integrated to facilitate the proper opening and closing of the gate.

The newly installed lock gate, with its two leaves, had been transported to Müden on a cargo ship after a two-day journey from Trier. This impressive steel structure stands 12 meters high, 14 meters wide, and weighs around 80 tons, having been manufactured in Trier over the past few weeks. Following the installation, the old gates will be returned to Trier, where salvageable parts will be recovered, and the remainder will be discarded.

According to the WSA, lock gate replacements are not uncommon, as such updates are periodically required. However, ensuring a perfect fit into the chamber poses a significant challenge. Fortunately, experienced personnel are on-site, knowledgeable about the specifics of the lock chamber.

Repair efforts on the damaged lock gate have been ongoing for weeks, involving the removal of concrete from the damaged areas adjacent to the destroyed gate. High-pressure water jets were utilized for this task. The next phase involved pouring new concrete, which now provides a secure base for the newly installed gate.

The financial impact of the damage caused by the ship collision is estimated to be in the millions. The Koblenz public prosecutor’s office is currently investigating the ship’s captain on charges of endangering shipping traffic, with a second expert report commissioned to assess the situation further.

As of January 24, 2025, emergency lockages are currently taking place, with a target date of December 27 for all ships to pass through. Regular operations may resume as early as early February.

In light of the incident at the Moselle lock in Müden, the Chambers of Industry and Commerce from Saarland, Trier, and Koblenz are advocating for swift repairs and the expansion of all locks, emphasizing the need for progress on projects that have been in development for years.

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