More heavy goods transports on the Elbe in March

The Sächsische Binnenhäfen Oberelbe GmbH (SBO) is preparing further heavy transports for the beginning of March after three problem-free freight ship passages under Dresden's Carola Bridge. "The planning for this is in full swing," said Managing Director Heiko Loroff. Gas tanks produced in the Czech Republic for export have to be transported to the port of Hamburg. Loroff said that it takes a lot of persuasion on the part of the partners to ensure that the river is permanently free as a transport route and that goods can also arrive. "We are already expecting water levels to fall again in May."

Six-figure loss of revenue for Saxony's inland ports

The forced break of almost five months due to the bridge collapse has had a "dramatic impact" on the SBO and its partners upstream on the Elbe. Loroff spoke of a high six-figure loss of turnover, "in the region of 500,000 euros to 600,000 euros". According to him, September to April is normally the peak period, when most shipping space and goods are moved. "There were perfect water levels throughout, which we couldn't use; we've never had that before." The Elbe federal waterway has been open again since the beginning of February.

On the night of 11 September 2024, around 100 meters of the western traffic section of the Carola Bridge collapsed unexpectedly. Since then, the remaining parts of the structure made of prestressed reinforced concrete from the GDR era have been closed. Demolition of the affected bridge section has been underway for weeks. In view of this and other work there and the upcoming demolition in Bad Schandau, Loroff warned of another month-long closure. "That would be dramatic for us, we can no longer afford it."