Modernisation of the Kiel Canal: New sliding gates for lock in Brunsbüttel
Production of the three new sliding gates for the 5th NOK lock chamber in Brunsbüttel is nearing completion. In mid-January, the last of the three gates was driven out of the assembly hall on the site of the former Nordseewerke Emden. The gates are among the most important components of the new chamber and fulfil several functions simultaneously.
Customised unique items for the lock system in Brunsbüttel
A special feature of the lock gates is their high manufacturing precision, which is in the millimetre range. The gates are customised one-offs that were specially developed for the requirements of the lock system in Brunsbüttel. Thanks to their design, they can be used flexibly after the refurbishment of the existing large chambers.
The Kiel Canal New Waterway Construction Authority (WNA NOK) commissioned the production of three identical sliding gates: one each for the inner and outer head of the new lock chamber as well as a reserve gate for maintenance and repair work. These gates were assembled from prefabricated steel segments from Plauen, with the work being carried out by a consortium consisting of DSD NOELL GmbH and Plauen Stahl Technologie.
Important step towards modernising the Kiel Canal
The construction of the 5th lock chamber in Brunsbüttel is a key project for modernising the Kiel Canal and relieving lock operations at the western end of the NOK. With a length of 360 metres and a width of 45 metres, the new chamber is expected to be opened to shipping traffic at the end of 2026. The total investment for the construction amounts to around 1.2 billion euros.
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Transport and installation planned in Brunsbüttel
Once the filling contactors have been installed, the gates will be transported to Eemshaven in the Netherlands, where they will be tested. They will then be transported to Brunsbüttel, where they will be installed from November 2025. The lock gates will be part of a system that also includes the future lock gates of the old chambers and allows for more flexible utilisation.
The new lock chamber is due to be opened to shipping traffic at the end of 2026. The total investment for the construction amounts to around 1.2 billion euros.
