Due to the permafrost that is currently prevailing, the ice layer on the Main-Danube Canal has spread ever further. In the higher canal steps, the water is almost completely covered with ice floes. A warning against entering the ice surfaces has already been issued. Department head Stefanie von Eine explains: “We are well prepared. We have reinforced our emergency services in the areas that were badly affected by the ice. ”
Bayern. The locks from Erlangen to Hilpoltstein are currently particularly stressed by the ice. With each entry into the locks, the ships push ice into the lock chamber, which can then stick to the gates and the side gate niches. Stefanie von Eine explains: “So that the gates can continue to be moved, the ice has to be removed from the gate area again and again. Our employees remove the ice with long poles from work ships and from shore, a physically demanding job. “
However, shipping is possible with restrictions. At night, however, operations at the locks from Erlangen to Hilpoltstein had to be stopped, as the work is very dangerous for the ice pusher. The other nine locks are, as always, in operation around the clock. At the Erlangen and Kriegenbrunn locks, only ships with a total length of 165 meters can be locked towards the Danube. At the other locks affected by the ice, the length restriction has been set at 180 meters for safety reasons. For push and coupling convoys, this can mean that you have to divide your ship into two parts and lock them in two locks uphill or downhill.
The Waterways and Shipping Authority Donau MDK is making every effort to ensure that ships can sail on the Main-Danube Canal for as long as possible by using ice pusher and keeping the gates clear. Ice breakers are also sometimes used. As the cold is now receding, the restrictions will hopefully be lifted around the middle of the week.
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