Since February there is no more sailing traffic due to the large lock at Lith. A large cargo ship then bumped into the lock gates, which were damaged as a result. On Monday, Rijkswaterstaat made an exception for three luxury yachts, so that the 50 -meter -long hunting ships could still sail on.
The builder of the yachts, Heesen Shipyards in Oss, insisted on Rijkswaterstaat to let the ships through. There would be a ‘great economic interest’ and therefore the ships had to go through the lock on time.
Rijkswaterstaat therefore made an exception, says a spokesperson. “It’s really only for once. It is a unique situation and the delivery of the ships is economically important for the region. That is why we have granted the request.”
Special construction
Due to the accident, the lock doors had to be removed. Especially for the super yachts, a steel construction was rigged with bulkheads that are hoisted in and out of the channel. There was no different route or passage.
According to Rijkswaterstaat, those who have to pay the bill of the operation has not yet been agreed.
The damaged lock doors are currently being investigated. When that investigation has been completed, it must be apparent whether the door can be repaired or whether a completely new lock door is needed. Rijkswaterstaat hopes to know more about this within a few weeks.
