August 26 - The Port of Kiel, Germany, has completely refurbished its ro-ro facility at Berth No.1.
German shipbuilder Nobiskrug GmbH undertook the refurbishment work at the ADM Kiel facility. The pontoon-feeder for ferry aft ramps, which weighed 1,800 tonnes, was floated into position and moored on August 22, 2013.
"The new ro-ro device is another milestone in extending Kiel's freight and logistic activities. From now on, cargo vessels can be loaded both via the ramp as well as by using two port cranes at Berth No. 1," said Dr Dirk Claus, managing director at Seehafen Kiel GmbH & Co..
A 23 m long bridge connects the pontoon with the quay wall; it has been designed so loading and unloading of vessels is possible any time, no matter the water level.
The redevelopment is part of a EUR5.4 million (USD7.22 million) project, subsidised by the state of Schleswig-Holstein with funds from the German Federation.
The project also comprises the already completed deepening of Berth No. 1 to a constant 10 m, as well as a stronger fender system along the quay wall. A new warehouse was also commissioned at the beginning of August, and new gantry crane delivered for the rail terminal in Ostuferhafen.
"The increasing traffic from and to Russia as well as the Baltic States requires more and more powerful port facilities. Our Ostuferhafen is absolutely meeting this demand," Claus added.
