Background
Due to the planned construction of the 5th lock chamber, Brunsbüttel and Kiel-Holtenau will each receive a total of 15 virtually identical sliding gates. Besides regular operation, these lock gates also provide flood protection for the lower-lying hinterland.
Sliding gates constructed from steel have proven to be a robust and cost-effective solution. They require regular structural inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
An internal working group concluded that, for economic task fulfilment, the administration must build its own “special dock”. Routine maintenance alone will almost fully occupy this dock’s capacity.
Construction Measure
In the northeastern section of the operational harbor, the newly designed facility – with berths for reserve gates – will be erected.
The installation essentially comprises the gate repair dock itself, along with the immediately adjacent quay walls.
Because of its location and proximity to noise-sensitive areas, the entire dock complex will be enclosed within a permanent hall. This design ensures work can proceed regardless of weather and provides essential noise protection.
Images above (from left): Visualization of the planned construction;
in the foreground, three sliding-gate berths (one equipped with a mobile-crane platform); visualized view from the south.
Image below: Visualized view from the south bank of the NOK.