A logistical challenge was successfully overcome during the transport of 43 prefabricated concrete wind turbine segments on inland waterways from Germany to Czechia. Rhenus Logistics was presented with the task amidst low water levels on the waterway between Emden and Lovosice. 

The three barges carrying the segments, with a combined weight of 1,400 tonnes, encountered unexpectedly low water levels near Magdeburg. To ensure continued navigation on the shallow final stretch, where water depth reached as low as 115 centimetres in some areas, a swift and innovative solution was implemented.

Maximising capacity through reloading

Rhenus Logistics strategically reloaded the concrete segments onto smaller barges, maximising transport capacity and enabling passage through the low-water section. This decisive action ensured the project remained on schedule and avoided the need for 43 potentially disruptive and permit-required heavy goods vehicle journeys.

Sustainable transport

The utilisation of barges for this project aligns with sustainability goals for cargo transportation. Additionally, the deployment of the Beskydy, the last operational stern-wheel tug on the waterway, proved crucial in navigating a section with strong currents and limited propeller effectiveness on the standard pusher tugs.