Porr, Habau, and Felbermayr renovate Kachlet lock in Passau
19.01.2026
Figure: Habau/Norbert Enders
Since 1927, the Kachlet Danube barrage with its double lock and hydroelectric power plant has been an integral part of Passau. Kachlet is considered essential for European freight transport. Almost 100 years after its construction, it is now time for a complete renovation. Three renowned construction companies were commissioned.
One of the largest modernization measures and complete renovations on the Main-Danube waterway was awarded in an open bidding process to a consortium consisting of the construction companies Porr, Habau, and Felbermayr. On behalf of the Magdeburg Waterways Construction Office, the three companies will completely renovate both existing lock chambers one after the other over a period of 13 years, starting with the south lock. During the six-year renovation of the south lock, traffic will be diverted via the north lock and vice versa.
Guido Zander, head of the Waterways and Shipping Authority Danube MDK (WSA), which is responsible for operation and maintenance, says: "With almost 100 years of operation, the Kachlet barrage is an impressive example of great engineering. The upcoming modernization and complete renovation will make the structure ‘fit’ for the next 100 years. This will make an important contribution to ensuring that the international Rhine-Main-Danube connection remains safe and reliable for the environmentally friendly and energy-saving mode of transport that is shipping."
Highly complex in terms of engineering
The project is a challenge for the consortium. Porr CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss says: "The renovation and complete refurbishment of transport routes is a key area of activity for Porr. Ship-based construction on the water is always challenging. This project involves a very demanding interplay of different activities.
For example, excavators with special cutters, standing on pontoons, will cut slots into the existing lock wall. Anchors will be drilled into these recesses and the niches will then be sealed again with concrete. We at Porr are proud to be able to demonstrate the wide range of our expertise together with our partners." Hubert Wetschnig, CEO of the Habau Group, emphasizes:
“The general overhaul of the Kachlet lock is a highly complex large-scale engineering project. The work requires the utmost precision in planning and execution. Habau is contributing its proven expertise in engineering and hydraulic engineering to work with its consortium partners to create a permanently safe and efficient infrastructure for the Danube.”
Felbermayr Bau Managing Director Bernhard Strasser emphasizes: “We at Felbermayr are delighted to be part of this once-in-a-century project with our civil engineering division and our Domarin hydraulic engineering division,” adding: “Specifically, we will be actively involved in the construction work with dredging, the provision of floating units, demolition and earthworks, as well as pipeline and road construction.”
Porr, Habau, and Felbermayr complement each other in the consortium with their particular strengths. Porr's expertise in special civil engineering, engineering, and earthworks is particularly in demand, Habau also contributes special engineering and earthworks expertise, and Felbermayr contributes lifting technology and many years of experience in hydraulic engineering.
A contract with special dimensions
It is a major project in every respect: Each lock will be approximately 335 m long and 24 m wide when completed. A wide range of measures will be used in the construction, from demolition and earthworks to concrete construction, pipeline construction, and steel hydraulic engineering. Up to 100 employees will be working on the construction site.
The existing structures will be demolished down to the base and completely rebuilt. In addition to the construction of new lock chambers in accordance with current technical standards, the project includes the installation of modern lock gate technology with new stem gates, hydraulic drives, and state-of-the-art control, automation, and safety technology. The aim is to increase operational safety, adapt the facility to today's inland waterway transport requirements, and ensure its functionality for decades to come.
CONTACT
Porr AG
Absberggasse 47
1100 Wien/Austria
+43 50 626-0
Habau Group
Greiner Straße 63
4320 Perg/Austria
+43 7262 555-0
