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 must be transported to the port of Hamburg. The SBO is trying to transport waiting goods and move them back from rail. It takes a lot of persuasion to ensure that the river is permanently free as a transport route and that goods actually arrive, said Loroff. "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 take advantage of; we've never had that before."

Since the Elbe was reopened in Dresden at the beginning of February, three cargo ships have passed the Carola Bridge and the bridge in Bad Schandau, which was also dilapidated and closed, without any problems, according to SBO. Another four push boats, each 110 meters long and carrying large gas tanks for the chemical industry, are waiting in the wings.

On the night of 11 September 2024, the western traffic line of the Carola Bridge unexpectedly collapsed over a length of around 100 meters. Since then, the two remaining trains of the pre-stressed concrete structure from the GDR era have been closed and shipping has also been interrupted. The demolition of the affected bridge section has been underway for weeks

With a view to the further demolition of the Carola Bridge 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." Rather, in consultation with the barge operators, it would have to be considered when the best possible time window for this is - with the least negative impact.