Dortmund-Ems-Kanal-Nord

The Challenge

The northern section of the Dortmund-Ems Canal (DEK), from Bergeshövede to Papenburg, was limited to vessels of 95 m length and 9.60 m width. To meet growing transport demands, the Federal Transport Infrastructure Plan 2030 identified the urgent need to upgrade this section.

The Solution

The existing locks between Bevergern and Gleesen are being replaced with new, larger locks featuring modern dimensions, enabling the passage of wide-gauge vessels. The construction is phased to maintain navigation throughout the works.

The Impact

The lock expansion enhances the efficiency of inland waterway transport along the DEK, strengthening this sustainable logistics corridor and supporting the energy transition between the Rhine/Ruhr region and the North Sea.