After ten months of repairs, a refurbished lock gate at the Gambsheim Rhine lock in France, situated on Europe’s most crucial waterway, was successfully reinstalled last autumn. The intricate operation was carried out by MSG Krandienst GmbH, a company based in Kehl, Baden-Württemberg, using advanced Liebherr mobile cranes.
The installation posed numerous challenges due to the limited working area, significant distances between cranes, and a gate weighing 84 tonnes. Christian Spreuer, in charge of project planning at MSG, highlighted the complexity of the task, particularly with ongoing renovation work restricting crane movement.
The Gambsheim Rhine lock, which facilitates the passage of nearly 100 ships daily, is undergoing a comprehensive four-year renovation. This involves lifting out and reinstalling massive lock gates, a process requiring precision and expertise.
During the recent installation, space constraints necessitated a complex lifting process with the Liebherr cranes. The meticulous maneuvering of the gate demanded intense focus from crane operators Klaus Himmelsbach and Ralf Göltzer.
The use of innovative technology, including the LICCON work planner, facilitated the smooth execution of the operation. With plans to continue renovation work until 2026, MSG Krandienst GmbH will remain involved, supported by their fleet of Liebherr cranes.
