Ships in Abundance - More Than 40 Vessels Have Been Handled - "Things are going smoothly" - Over 40 vessels have already been sent out
The Mosel lock in St. Aldegund, Germany, which was damaged following a collision between a passenger ship and the lock gate last Wednesday, is now operating under emergency measures following a comprehensive inspection involving a crane and divers [1]. Although the lock has resumed operations for downstream transits, upstream transits remain suspended [2].
Stephan Momper, head of the Mosel-Saar-Lahn Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA), expressed optimism about the situation, stating that over 40 ships have already safely transited the lock downstream [3]. Momper also expressed a preference for allowing shorter ships in the initial phase of resuming upstream transits, with the intention of reducing the direct pressure of the propeller wash on the gate [4].
The collision, which took place on July 2, resulted in the injury of three people and severe damage to the lock gate [5]. After the incident, the damaged gate was reinforced and repaired [6]. If the inspection goes well, a test upstream transit with the first boat may occur around noon on Tuesday [7].
The lock had to cease operations following the collision, with only emergency transits currently possible [8]. Each emergency transit at the lock includes a gate check [9]. A crisis meeting is scheduled for Tuesday morning to discuss the situation further [10].
In the meantime, Momper plans to continue operating only during daylight hours for better monitoring of the gate [11]. The new gate for the Mosel lock is expected to arrive by the end of August, with resumption of upstream transits (bergschleusung) anticipated on Tuesday [12].
As of July 6, vessels traveling downstream are allowed to pass through the lock, but only one vessel per hour can pass, with inspections of the lock gate after each transit to monitor safety [2]. However, upstream transits remain suspended and are planned to resume only after a few more days, pending further repair and safety assessments [2].
In summary:
| Direction | Status as of July 6, 2025 | Outlook for July 8, 2025 | |-----------------|--------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Downstream | Allowed under strict conditions (1 vessel/hour, inspections) | Expected to continue cautiously | | Upstream | Suspended, to resume in a few days | Likely still suspended |
Sources: [1] Deutsche Welle [2] Deutsche Presse-Agentur [3] Rheinische Post [4] Saarbrücker Zeitung [5] Westdeutscher Rundfunk [6] Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung [7] Saarbrücker Zeitung [8] Deutsche Presse-Agentur [9] Saarbrücker Zeitung [10] Saarbrücker Zeitung [11] Saarbrücker Zeitung [12] Saarbrücker Zeitung
- In light of the current situation at the Mosel lock, it would be prudent for the community to comply with the established emergency measures, ensuring safety for all parties involved, particularly in the realm of transportation and industry that rely on the lock for navigation.
- The Mosel-Saar-Lahn Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA) is closely monitoring the finance required for the repair and replacement of the lock, with the aim of ensuring uninterrupted employment policies for its staff and maintaining the smooth operation of the regional transportation network.
