Prolec’s Digmaster Pro depth monitoring and guidance system was selected by the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration to support a significant fleet upgrade. 

The German inland waterway network stretches to around 7300km and is crucial for the country’s economy. Not only is it well used by tourists and holidaymakers, but much of it is of considerable importance to international freight transport. The network is managed by the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration which is responsible for maintaining rivers, canals, locks and seaward approaches, as well as managing shipping traffic.

In August 2012, as part of a workboat fleet upgrade, the federal waterways office brought into service the clamshell dredger Elsflether Sand, to be used in the management of the River Weser in the Bremen district. This craft replaced older, decommissioned vessels, and was intended to increase the efficiency of the waterways’ working cycles.

Summary

The dredger Elsflether Sand was fitted with a Prolec Digmaster Pro depth monitoring and guidance system.

Who:
German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration

Services provided:

• Installation of Prolec’s innovative Digmaster Pro system
• Improved monitoring and guidance to the German clamshell dredger as a result

Benefits delivered:

• Fully submersible angle sensor technology allows the operator to dig out only the necessary material to bring the waterway back to the required depth for all tidal situations
• System configured to enable the construction of works such as breakwaters or laying sealing material in shipping channels within pre-set parameters

Download the German waterways case study.