The lock gates of Kiel-Holtenau which was reportedly demolished after a cargo vessel rammed into its gates is likely to take weeks to be repaired.
What happened?
Last week it was reported that the lock gates were damaged after the cargo vessel ‘Akacia’ collided with it. Due to the impact of the collision, the lock gates were severely damaged and the repair costs were estimated to run into several million Euros.
Removal of debris
To facilitate repairs, the steel debris are scheduled to be removed in the forthcoming days. But the removal to steel debris is touted to be a dangerous process for divers as it may collapse if disturbed as well as a field of debris on the bottom of the lock surrounding the gate.
Only after the debris are removed, a detailed assessment of the damage and surveys can be carried out in preparation of the removal of the gate.
Tanks destroyed
Among 16 tankers, five were destroyed so that it cannot be floated out. The ice strengthened the bow of the “Akacia“ which has caused damage similar to a torpedo hit in seven meters water depth so that sheerlegs will be called from Rotterdam to raise the gate.
It was not ruled out that it will have to be cut into two or three sections to be removed. The whole work will take several weeks and there was no time table yet. The “Akacia“ remained detained in the North Port of Kiel, and the crew was cared for by the seaman’s mission.
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Source: Vessel Tracker
