An Innovative Pile Guide Wall for the Emden Sea-Lock

The Port of Emden is situated in the North-Sea on the western border of the German Bight in the Ems-River estuary. The access to Emden port is possible for vessels up to 80.000 dwt via the Emden fairway. Using the tidal situation in the estuary, drafts up to 10.7 m (35 ft) can be accommodated at high tide. The outer harbour is under the influence of the tidal range. To arrive at the inner port it is necessary to lock in the small "Lock Nesserland" which is 110 years old, or in the so called "Great Sea-lock" built in the early. 20^th century. The port of Emden is known world-wide as the distribution hub for cars manufactured by the German Volkswagen Company. In the year 2000, the annual port turnover will reach 1 million cars. Other goods handled in the port of Emden are containers (100.000 TEU), forest products (1 million tons) and liquefied marble (1 million tons).