Modular pontoons transform Bodensee ferry port

The ferry port of Meerburg, located on scenic Bodensee, is undergoing an iconic transformation. The aging concrete pier, which has marked the shoreline for more than 70 years, is now giving way to a contemporary steel pier. This remarkable transformation is essential for the ferry companies that depend on the piers to reach the port safely even in moderate winds.

Collaboration for progress

This ambitious undertaking is being led by the Public utilities of Constance in close cooperation with the renowned OHF Hafen- und Flussbau GmbH and Baars, which supplies the coupling pontoons. Their joint efforts are aimed at ensuring a future-proof ferry connection that will continue to support local communities and economies.

Modular pontoons : drilling and dredging on the water

To accomplish this project, an on-water work platform composed of coupling pontoons will be used. The modular pontoon, equipped with hydraulically driven piles supplied by Baars, forms the solid platform for a dredging crane and drilling equipment. With dimensions of 36.58 x 12.20 x 1.83 meters and equipped with 3 spud poles, this pontoon provides not only stability but also a safe working environment on the water for the workers involved in this project.

Environmentally friendly approach for sustainable development

An important aspect of this project is its minimal environmental impact. Half of the concrete pier will be demolished and replaced with a metal sheet pile wall, helping to maintain Lake Bodensee’s ecological balance. This environmentally friendly approach ensures that the seabed is less impacted than with traditional concrete foundations, keeping the lake’s natural habitat intact.

Baars: Commitment to sustainable solutions

Baars, as a leading supplier of high-quality coupling pontoons, plays a crucial role in this project. Drilling and dredging on the water!  Their focus on providing hydraulic engineering solutions for work on lakes and enclosed waters underscores their commitment to sustainable practices and continuous innovation.

For more information on these the various configurations and applications of coupling pontoons offered, please visit our website. Together, we are working toward a more sustainable future for our waterways and the communities that depend on them.