Sarens supports bridge launch in Germany
0Sarens played a key role in the installation of a new highway bridge in Wittenberge, Germany, as part of the A14 highway expansion.
The project was executed for DSD with Sarens providing critical expertise in barge-assisted bridge installation.
The German authorities are developing the A14 highway to improve connectivity and transport efficiency. As part of this major infrastructure project, a new bridge was launched from the quayside and guided across the Elbe River. Sarens was selected due to its extensive experience in barge operations, project execution in Germany, and its ability to offer a complete package, including additional crane and jacking work.
The project presented unique engineering challenges, primarily due to the strong river currents and the limited river draft. To address these, Sarens deployed a two-barge solution, using Barge Karel-Victor and Barge Jozef-Rosa, alongside a Climbing System CS1000 for stability. Key equipment also included: 10x 200T ballasting pumps; 8x hydraulic winches (minimum capacity: 30T); 4 towers of Climbing System CS1000; Over 200 metres of modular beams.
Due to river conditions, special precautions were taken to ensure stability. Large Stev-Shark anchors were placed in the Elbe to secure the barges during the operation.
Mobilising equipment to the site required significant logistical planning, with approximately 60 trucks transporting components from Sarens’ headquarters and other project sites in the Netherlands and Germany. The on-site team, peaking at 10 personnel, completed the mobilisation and setup in about three weeks.
Once assembled, the bridge—measuring 2.400 tonnes—was guided across the river using eight hydraulic winches, achieving centimetre-level precision despite challenging river currents. Originally scheduled for 2,5 days, the crossing was successfully completed in under two days, demonstrating the efficiency of Sarens’ planning and execution.
With Sarens’ successful execution of the bridge launch, the A14 highway expansion takes another step toward improving regional connectivity. With the completion of this operation, Sarens demonstrated once again its ability to tackle complex marine transport and installation challenges with precision and expertise.