As a consequence of climate change, rising sea levels are threatening the North Sea coast of Germany. The state of Lower Saxony is investing around 30 million Euros to safeguard the coast at Otterndorf, in Cuxhaven district, where the existing Hadeln Sluice is to be replaced by a new structure. Tractebel hydraulic engineering specialists are providing support for the project
The original Hadeln Sluice was built in 1854. It controls drainage water releases from the Hadeln Canal, as well as enabling use of the canal as an inland waterway. The existing 165 year old arched tunnel structure is no longer able to satisfy contemporary requirements. It is about 90 centimetres too low to withstand extreme storm surges, and it is physically not possible to increase the height of the existing sluice structure any further. It is necessary to construct a new sluice.
Three year project schedule
The Tractebel specialists are applying their expertise under a contract with the Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal Defence and Nature Conservation Agency (NLWKN), working in an integrated team with INROS LACKNER SE. They are responsible for providing comprehensive design services for the steel structures and mechanical plant, as well as the planning of the electrical, measurement and control systems and equipment. Their services will be complete when the new sluice facility commences full operation, which is currently foreseen in 2022.
The commencement of the project was officially launched on 11 April by Lower Saxony as well as numerous representatives of the town of Ottendorf.