What you see is just the tip of the iceberg.‘

Fifth lock in Brunsbüttel

The construction of a new lock in Brunsbüttel is an important step in the modernization of the Kiel Canal. The addition of a fifth lock will not only increase capacity but also improve the reliability and efficiency of ship traffic. Although the superstructure of the lock is impressive, it is only the tip of the iceberg. DISA Deutschland, part of DISA International, has been making a significant contribution to this mega-operation for many years with divers and special underwater techniques..

The new lock will be built between the existing small and large locks on the lock island in Brunsbüttel. It is currently the largest hydraulic engineering project in Germany, with an estimated investment of more than one billion euros. The extensive work underscores the importance of the Kiel Canal as a connecting route between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. It is one of the busiest artificial waterways in the world and plays a crucial role in international shipping traffic.

Impressive construction

The lock itself will be an impressive structure: 360 meters long and 45 meters wide, with a usable length of 330 meters and a width of 42 meters. To ensure smooth passage for shipping, three enormous sliding doors will be built. Two of these will be used for daily operations, while the third will be available as a backup. Each door weighs no less than 2,200 tons and is held in place by a robust rail system. The first sliding door is expected to arrive in Brunsbüttel in November 2025, after which the lock is scheduled to be commissioned at the end of 2026.

Major challenges

DISA Deutschland plays an important role in this large-scale project. “Thanks to previous collaborations with ARGE partners, we were recommended and have been involved in the work since 2022,” says Christopher Tennes, General Manager of DISA Deutschland. “Our team of specialized divers carries out all the diving work necessary for the construction to progress. This work presents major challenges: conditions change weekly and sometimes even daily. Tasks are adjusted, equipment has to be switched over, and personnel must be deployed flexibly.”

Precision and craftsmanship

Nevertheless, DISA Deutschland is able to meet these challenges with ease. With a large number of divers in permanent employment, excellently organized logistics, and an almost unlimited supply of diving equipment, the company can respond quickly. This once again demonstrates why DISA is a reliable partner in a project of this size and complexity. “We are currently working on removing sheet piling, among other things. We are using special underwater cutting techniques with wire saws. This creates openings for the future lock and makes room for the lock gates that will arrive in November,” explains Tennes. “It is a technically demanding operation that requires precision and craftsmanship.”

In addition to Brunsbüttel, DISA Deutschland is involved in several major projects across the country, including in Bremen, the construction of the Hamburg U5, and in Berlin, the construction of the S21. These projects demonstrate the versatility and expertise of the company, which consistently rises to the challenge of the most ambitious and complex construction projects. 

The new lock in Brunsbüttel not only secures the future of the Kiel Canal, but also confirms the importance of reliable partners such as DISA. Together with other parties involved, the company is contributing to a project that will form an essential part of European shipping infrastructure for decades to come.