Everything has to make way: Fences and barriers are removed so that the 240 tonnes can reach the jetty without problems. (Photo: Hattenbach)
Colossal component will cast off at midday
today
GIMTE. Preparations are in full swing for
transport of the first of two 240 tonne components. Ten men of the
heavy transport firm Felbermayr will place the colossus in the
right position. Travelling on 96 wheels, the part, intended for a
press for building pipelines, will this morning be brought up to
the jetty.
The route up to there is free. Employees of Northeimer Zaunbau
ensured this by dismantling all fences and barriers in the giant's
way.
Jetty is ready
The Dutch captain and his helmsmen are already on site and have
inspected the jetty for the pontoon boat.
The site manager of Weserpark, Werner Ripke, is there to help. The
68 year old is a former sapper who was stationed at the Gimter
water exercise site and has already loaded tanks at the jetty many
a time. "Compared to before, this is a real challenge", says Ripke.
As the Dutchmen do not have a master's certificate for the journey
on the Upper Weser, a German pilot will be travelling with
them.
All concerned no longer have any worries about the water level. The
level of the River Weser has fallen so that the waterway is also
free. The Water and Shipping Office in Münden has given the go
ahead. "We control the water level and have slightly increased
water discharge from Edertalsperre reservoir", explained Dana Halbe
of the shipping office.
Delaying the transport by one day will not get the manufacturer of
the components, Richter Maschinenfabrik in Hessisch Lichtenau, into
difficulties. "The ship in Rotterdam will wait", says the sales
manager, Joachim Kraus.
Project manager Burkhard Sterz estimates the time of arrival for
the pontoon boat to be 14 hrs. "We will then need around four hours
for everything". Gimte will then be a 240 tonne part lighter and a
spectacular event richer.
Source: HNA dated 03.10.2007 (rax)
