Malfunctioning lock switched to emergency mode of operation - Restored Normality at Damaged Lock During Emergency Repairs
The Moselschleuse St. Aldegund, a key lock on the Moselle River, has resumed normal operation following a three-week hiatus due to damage caused by a collision on July 2nd. The incident involved a passenger ship that collided with the closed lower gate, resulting in approximately 2.5 million euros in damage.
The damaged gate has been reinforced and repaired, and the lock has been operating in emergency mode since then. However, nightly lockages are not conducted due to the gate protruding slightly into the chamber. A crisis team will decide next week whether emergency lockages can continue until the new lock gate is installed.
The new lock gate is expected to be delivered by the end of September, with installation scheduled to begin in early October. This four-to-five-day process will take place during low traffic periods to minimize disruption. The Moselschleuse St. Aldegund is currently operating smoothly and orderly, with vessels being locked through both upstream and downstream, but only during daylight hours between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
The planning and preparation for the new lock gate typically start several months to a year before installation. This process involves design and environmental assessments. After installation, there is usually a testing and commissioning phase before full operational status is achieved, which can take a few days to weeks.
For real-time status, including any ongoing installation or maintenance work, it is best to consult the Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt (WSA) Koblenz or the official Moselle waterway websites. The WSA Koblenz is also the point of contact for detailed project schedules for the next lock gate installations or repairs.
The Moselschleuse at St. Aldegund serves as a crucial link for commercial and recreational traffic on the Moselle River. Routine maintenance work may occasionally cause temporary closures or restrictions, but they are announced in advance by the waterway authorities.
It is worth noting that passenger cabin ships will continue to be locked through without a catering crew and guests for safety reasons. Additionally, three gate pairs are also ordered for other locks. The damaged gate is more visible during daylight hours to prevent another collision.
For those seeking updates on the Moselschleuse St. Aldegund, the WSA Koblenz official website, local Moselle waterway traffic bulletins, and navigation control offices or commercial navigation agents on the Moselle River are reliable sources of information.
- The reinforced Community policy regarding vessel safety andschedule modifications has been implemented, considering the need for careful navigation through the repaired MoselschleuseSt. Aldegund, taking into account the slightly protruding new gate that causes nightly lockages to be avoided.
- Financial implications, public-transit, transportation, and vocational training programs in the industry surrounding the Moselle River are anticipated to be affected by the four-to-five-day closure during the installation of the new lock gate, which may require rescheduling of both commercial and recreational traffic.
