In a precision action, Wagenborg performed the first rolling load operation of a massive lock gate in the Port of Emden, in Germany, as part of an infrastructure project.
The operation involved the careful transfer of a 2,500-ton lock gate using 136 lines of Self-Propelled Modular Transporter (SPMT) axles. The total weight moved exceeded 3 thousand tons.
The gate was loaded onto the barge Wagenborg 10, a 100-meter long and 33-meter wide sea pontoon, under the coordination of the company’s heavy load and towing teams. The tug Waterstad provided safe and stable support, ensuring the safe position of the pontoons for the RoRo operation.
The success of this operation was no coincidence, say those at Wagenbord, but the result of meticulous engineering, precise ballasting, and smooth collaboration. Wouter Siemerink, project manager at Wagenborg, stated that “this type of transport demands mastery. From the engineering phase to the pontoon ballasting, every detail was calculated and executed meticulously. It is always rewarding to see how our team worked together, towing, heavy transport, engineering, all disciplines coordinated to achieve it.”
With this operation, Wagenborg continues to expand its presence in the infrastructure market. The two remaining lock gates are scheduled to be transported in the coming months.
