Ecluse Ampsin-Neuville

The Challenge

The Ampsin-Neuville lock site required a major upgrade to accommodate wide-gauge navigation. The existing locks—measuring 55 x 7.5 metres and 136 x 16 metres—were significantly smaller than those upstream and downstream, creating a bottleneck for inland waterway transport.

The Solution

The project involved replacing the outdated locks with two new wide-gauge locks measuring 225 x 12.5 metres and 225 x 25 metres. These were constructed in phases to ensure uninterrupted navigation during the works. With capacities of 4,500 tonnes and 9,000 tonnes respectively, the new infrastructure now enables the passage of large-gauge vessels. As project developer, Tractebel was responsible for the design of the lock gates and their hinges, as well as the associated electromechanical equipment.

The Impact

The 4,500-tonne lock is equipped with two single-leaf gates, while the 9,000-tonne lock features an upstream flap gate and a downstream bush gate. This upgrade significantly enhances the efficiency and capacity of inland waterway transport, supporting modal shift and reducing road congestion and emissions.