New structure allows for bigger ships
A 21.2m wide bulk carrier has successfully travelled through the large lock at Caen-Ouistreham ferry port, with just 60cm to spare on either side, as a result of a new structure for guiding vessels into the locks.
The King Rice benefited from the new structure, commissioned by Ports of Normandy. On 7 January 2019, Ports of Normandy launched the first stage of works on Ouistreham’s outer harbour: installing a guiding structure that would meet the new standards for global maritime traffic and enable wider ships (24 to 27.4m wide) to travel through the locks at Ouistreham.
Hervé Morin, chairman of Ports of Normandy, said: “In welcoming the King Rice, a 28,250 tonne bulk carrier flying the Panama flag and measuring 169.37 metres long by 27.2 metres wide, at Ports of Normandy we have demonstrated the outstanding know-how of our teams, who steered the alteration work at the port, along with our capacity to meet the needs of port stakeholders in Normandy. A promise made is a promise kept!”
Work on the new structure cost €12m (€10m financed by Ports of Normandy and €2m by Caen Normandy CCI). The guiding structure is expected to help ensure the port’s economic future.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
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