Tuesday, 13 January 2026
The Kachlet Danube barrage in Passau, in operation since 1927, is set to undergo a comprehensive modernisation almost a century after its construction. The facility, which includes a double lock and a hydroelectric power station, is regarded as a key element of European inland freight transport on the Rhine–Main–Danube corridor.
Following an open tender process, one of the largest renovation projects on the Main–Danube waterway has been awarded to a consortium comprising PORR, HABAU and FELBERMAYR. Acting on behalf of the Magdeburg Waterways Construction Office, the consortium will carry out a complete overhaul of both existing lock chambers over a period of 13 years. Work will begin with the south lock, while shipping traffic will be diverted via the north lock, before the sequence is reversed.
Guido Zander, Head of the Waterways and Shipping Authority Danube MDK (WSA), responsible for operation and maintenance, said that the project would ensure the long-term reliability of the structure. He noted that the modernisation would secure the safe and efficient operation of the Rhine–Main–Danube waterway, which plays an important role in environmentally efficient freight transport.
The project presents significant technical challenges. Construction work will be carried out largely from the water, requiring specialised equipment and precise coordination. Dredgers mounted on pontoons will cut recesses into the existing lock walls, where anchors will be installed before the structures are resealed with concrete. The works will be undertaken sequentially to maintain navigability throughout the renovation period.
Karl-Heinz Strauss, CEO of PORR, said the project reflects the company’s experience in the refurbishment of transport infrastructure and complex water-based construction. Hubert Wetschnig, CEO of the HABAU Group, highlighted the need for detailed planning and execution, with HABAU contributing its expertise in structural and hydraulic engineering. Bernhard Strasser, Managing Director of FELBERMAYR-Bau, said the company would be involved in dredging operations, the provision of floating equipment, demolition and earthworks, as well as pipeline and road construction.
Within the consortium, PORR will contribute specialist civil engineering and earthworks capabilities, HABAU will provide additional engineering and hydraulic expertise, and FELBERMAYR will supply lifting technology and experience in hydraulic construction.
Once completed, each lock chamber will measure approximately 335 metres in length and 24 metres in width. The works include demolition down to foundation level and complete reconstruction of the structures. Construction activities will range from earthworks and concrete construction to steel hydraulic engineering and pipeline installation, with up to 100 workers on site at peak periods.
In addition to rebuilding the lock chambers to current technical standards, the project includes the installation of new lock gates, hydraulic drive systems and modern control, automation and safety technology. The objective is to improve operational safety, align the facility with current inland navigation requirements and ensure reliable operation for the coming decades.
