YICHANG, Hubei, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) — The planned shutdown maintenance of the Three Gorges ship lift for 2025 officially commenced at 8 a.m. on the 25th, marking the fifth annual “check-up” since the ship lift began operations. (By Guo Xiaoying, Lü Caihong, Li Ming)
The Three Gorges ship lift is the world’s largest and most technically challenging ship lift, capable of rapidly hoisting vessels with a displacement of 3,000 tons over the dam. Operating in coordination with the Three Gorges twin five-stage ship locks, it forms a navigation pattern described as “large ships climbing stairs, small ships taking the elevator.” Since its trial navigation in 2016, the Three Gorges ship lift has safely completed over 48,500 lifts, transporting more than 2 million passengers and over 19 million tons of cargo.
The planned shutdown maintenance of the Three Gorges ship lift for 2025 officially commenced at 8 a.m. on August 25. Photo by Wang Gang
As a key component in the operation and management of the Three Gorges hub navigation structures, the primary purpose of the planned shutdown maintenance is to eliminate defects in equipment and facilities, further enhancing the reliability and safety of the ship lift’s operation.
This maintenance work is organized and implemented by the Three Gorges Group Basin Management Center. The scope includes over 60 items across seven major categories: metal structure machinery, hydraulics, electrical systems, hydraulic engineering, public facilities, inspection and testing, and commissioning trials. A total of 15 units are participating in the maintenance, with over 290 technicians and workers involved. The planned duration is 35 days.
A floating crane operates inside the ship chamber of the Three Gorges ship lift on August 25. Photo by Lü Caihong
According to a relevant official from the Three Gorges Group Basin Management Center, compared to previous years, the workload for this maintenance has increased by nearly 20% within the same timeframe. It not only involves a wide range of specialties, numerous challenging and difficult projects, and high technical requirements but also faces tests such as extensive work in confined spaces and significant coordination and organizational challenges. To address this, the maintenance team has scientifically divided the construction phases and conducted preparatory work including core equipment functionality tests and the development of new tools, techniques, and materials.
During the shutdown maintenance period of the Three Gorges ship lift, vessels meeting the technical requirements for navigation via the ship lift can pass through the dam using the Three Gorges twin five-stage ship locks. The Yangtze River Three Gorges Navigation Administration has issued a navigation suspension notice in advance to guide shipping companies and vessels in scientifically arranging transport plans. It has also strengthened communication and coordination with maritime departments along the river, enhancing joint control to ensure stable shipping order. (End)
