Working Conditions Aboard the Madicken

On July 22, a 46.80-meter-long and 9.36-meter-wide lock gate, incurred significant damage from the vessel 'Madicken' on January 2, was successfully towed to Kiel by the dedicated tugs 'Kiel' and 'Holtenau'. This heavy gate, weighing 1500 tons, is set for crucial repairs at the German Naval Yards. The collision resulted in a notable dent nearly two meters deep across a span of eight to ten meters. To facilitate the safe journey to Kiel, technicians employed two floating pontoons to stabilize the damaged structure. The lock gate is scheduled for drydocking in Dock 8a at the shipyard at the earliest opportunity. Concurrently, a replacement lock gate is slated to be installed in Brunsbüttel at the beginning of August, following its recent towing from Kiel after successful repairs. Meanwhile, divers are utilizing this period to replace worn rail plates at the base of the lock chamber, ensuring better functionality ahead. For a detailed report, visit: https://www.kn-online.de/lokales/kiel/schleusentor-nach-schiffshavarie-zur-reparatur-nach-kiel-geschleppt-KS3A46TF2VFB5FSFXO53HK2ATA.html

The freighter 'Madicken' successfully departed from the port of Brunsbüttel on January 4 and reached its destination in Klaipeda by January 7. However, the locking operations at Brunsbüttel have been significantly impacted due to damage sustained by the northern lock gate following an allision with the vessel. As a result, vessels navigating the Kiel Canal are facing extended waiting periods of up to six hours. Although the lock gate remains operational on a provisional basis during low water levels, serious concerns about its structural integrity persist. The lock's rails and wheels function normally, but damaged pipes risk rupturing during high flood tides. Unfortunately, the replacement of the compromised lock gate is not expected until spring, as both available reserve gates are currently undergoing comprehensive repairs at the TKMS shipyard in Kiel. If a replacement is necessary, it would result in a temporary closure of the lock chamber for a minimum of 14 days, further complicating vessel traffic in the area.

Following a thorough inspection by the Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV) on January 2, it has been confirmed that the large northern lock remains operational, even during low water conditions. As a result, the shipping restrictions have been effectively minimized. The WSV has also lifted the requirement for tugboat assistance during this period. However, the necessary repair work on the damaged gate is expected to be intricate. The gate that requires replacement is currently located at the TKMS shipyard in Kiel, with a projected readiness date in spring. Once the new gate is in place, the installation process is anticipated to take approximately 14 days. Initial assessments indicate that the 'Madicken' sustained only minor damage to its bow, situated above the waterline. As of January 4, the vessel remains anchored in Brunsbüttel.

In the early hours of January 2, 2024, at precisely 12:26 a.m., the freighter 'Madicken', traveling from Hamburg to Klaipeda, collided with a lock gate at the Kiel Canal in Brunsbüttel. This unfortunate incident has resulted in extensive damage to the gate, rendering it unusable for an indefinite period. The 'Madicken' was making its approach as the second vessel to enter the expansive northern chamber, having come in from the Elbe, when an engine failure occurred. Despite urgent countermeasures, the ship collided with the closed inner gate. The impact left a substantial dent measuring approximately two meters deep and spanning 8 to 10 meters in width, compromising the gate's integrity. Fortunately, the freighter itself sustained only minor damage to its stem. Another vessel, which was already secured to the central wall, escaped unscathed. Currently, the potential damage to the lock chamber's bottom caused by an anchor, which was deployed as a remedial measure, has yet to be evaluated. The transport trade association was promptly notified, leading to a sailing prohibition on the 'Madicken' in Brunsbüttel until the classification society confirms its seaworthiness. For the time being, the ship is anchored in the lock chamber as investigations continue. Later in the day, at around 5 p.m., two tugs successfully maneuvered the 'Madicken' from the lock towards the sailing ship moorings in Brunsbüttel. Interestingly, it was discovered that the lock could still operate during low tide, allowing the 'Northern Spirit' to depart from the oil port, marking the first ship to transit the lock post-incident. For more details, check out the report with photos: https://www.mopo.de/im-norden/schleswig-holstein/frachtschiff-rammt-schleusentor-erheblicher-sachschaden/ and https://www.msn.com/de-de/nachrichten/panorama/nok-schleusenkammer-nach-havarie-wieder-benutzbar/ar-AA1wPzo0.