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| Moselle River lock |
The Moselle River lock near Müden, Germany, is set to reopen by February 1, following expedited repairs, according to the Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA). The lock had been out of operation since December 8, when a vessel carrying steel scrap collided with the gate, severely damaging both wings.
Impact on Scrap and Steel Transport
The lock closure disrupted the transportation of scrap metal to mills, including Dillinger, Saarland, and ArcelorMittal Luxembourg, as well as outgoing shipments of Dillinger’s steel plates and ArcelorMittal’s sections. Despite these challenges, Dillinger maintained production by securing raw material deliveries via rail and road. The state governments of Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate lifted the Sunday and public holiday driving ban for trucks to ensure uninterrupted supply chains.
Progress on Repairs
Originally projected to be completed by March, the repairs have been accelerated. Concrete work on the lock will conclude this week, while newly fabricated gate wings—produced by a regional manufacturer—are set for installation. Test transits are scheduled for January 31, signaling the resumption of normal ship traffic on February 1.
The swift progress underscores the importance of the Moselle River as a vital transport route for the steel and scrap industries, ensuring regional and international supply chains remain resilient.
