The new ship lift (right) is broken again. The old plant (left) had to step in Photo: Patrick Pleul/dpa
By Michael Sauerbier
Shortly after the pompous opening, Brandenburg’s new ship’s hoist was shut down again. A technical defect was to blame.
On Friday afternoon, a passenger ship got stuck in the lifting trough halfway up. The passengers had to climb out. The steamer could only be lowered into the Oder outer harbor after an hour and a half.
The repair of the ship’s elevator, which cost 520 million euros, lasted until Monday morning. All ships had to switch to the old lift from 1934.
Not the first breakdown – despite a long trial run. The opening was originally planned for 2014. “During the start-up phase, there can always be faults,” admitted Ralf Dietrich from the Waterways New Construction Office, mostly with the electronics.
The system worked smoothly on Tuesday. Just in time for the visit of Brandenburg’s state government.