20 years of Bremerhaven sports boat lock: a port full of stories!

20 years of Bremerhaven sports boat lock: a port full of stories!

In Bremerhaven, a very special anniversary will be celebrated on July 12, 2025: the sports boat lock in the new port will be 20 years old. Since then, this lock, which opened on July 7, 2005, has left more than 5,000 ships, including sailing and motor boats, as well as tugs. This is an impressive proof of the maritime meaning of the city, which is considered a hotspot for ships and locks and attracts many visitors who want to explore the fascination of the waterways, how [bremerhaven.de] (https://www.bremerhaven.de/de/aktuelles/presse-tourismus/schleusen-schiffe-staunen-bremerhavens- fascinating.113792.html) emphasized.

The history of the locks in Bremerhaven goes back to 1852 when the first dock lock went into operation. However, this was filled up after 85 years and destroyed by bombing in the Second World War. The new construction of the sports boat lock started in 2003 and cost around 25 million euros. With a length of 50 meters and a width of 14 meters, it is one of the largest in Europe and is often used by leisure captains.

technical finesse and records

The lock is equipped with a unique technology: its half -shell shape allows the gates to drive together in a circle. With an opening angle of only eight degrees, the water compensation takes place in the lock chamber, which is extremely efficient. Only three similar locks exist worldwide, in England and France. The team attendant's team, which consists of ten former captains, customs officers and water protection police, ensures that all processes work smoothly. Their monthly salary is 556 euros, while in layers from April to October from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Especially curious events have visited the lock in the past: kayakers without a radio, stand-up paddler and the excursion boat "Geestemünde", which holds the record for most sluggish. In addition, the lock of the "Alexander von Humboldt II", an impressive 65 meter long sailor, is often celebrated. Before opening the gates, the announcement is made in Low German, which contributes to the maritime mood.

Maritime events and future outlook

In the course of the 20th birthday celebrations, live music and various speeches are planned on July 12th. The large windjammer meeting Sail in August 2025 also expects a million guests and about 250 ships and promises to underline the Maritime atmosphere of Bremerhavens.

However, the maritime infrastructure faces challenges: The dilapidated Kuhsiel Schleuse is urgently needed, and the double lock in the fishing port is currently being blocked for construction work. The importance of the port can also be seen in the fact that over 90 percent of the goods traded worldwide are transported with ships. In 2023, almost 268 million tons of goods were promoted in German shipping, a decline compared to previous years, such as Statista.com. The industry is still faced with the challenge of becoming more sustainable, which is reinforced by the EU requirements for emission reduction by 2050.

Bremerhaven shows a successful example of how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand in the maritime economy. It remains exciting how the city and its waterways will develop in the future.