The Kummersdorf lock in Storkow, Oder-Spree, has been closed for ship traffic since Monday to undergo a routine inspection conducted every six years.

The Kummersdorf lock, located in the Storkow district of Oder-Spree, was closed to ship traffic on Monday as part of a scheduled inspection that occurs every six years. On Tuesday, the lock chamber was drained, removing approximately 300 cubic meters of water over the course of an hour. This process allows for a thorough examination of the structure and lock gates, as well as necessary maintenance and repair work.

During the inspection, workers are removing up to 20 centimeters of sludge from the bottom of the lock chamber using snow shovels and brooms. Occasionally, items lost by boat passengers are uncovered during this process. According to Thomas Englisch, head of the Spree-Havel Waterways and Shipping Office in Kummersdorf, previous inspections have revealed items such as mobile phones, wallets, cameras, and even dentures. This year, only a pair of sunglasses and three boat hooks were found, along with fish that were relocated to nearby waters. Schleusenwärter Erich Wernicke remarked on the relatively small number of discoveries, stating, ‘I was personally surprised.’

Following the cleaning, a structural inspector will examine the lock next week, and additional maintenance tasks, such as painting the rope holders, will be carried out. These tasks are only possible during inspections, as the components are typically submerged. The work is expected to be completed by November 6, after which the lock chamber will be refilled. However, the lock will remain closed for regular ship traffic as it enters its winter pause, with operations scheduled to resume on April 1, 2027. The Kummersdorf lock is one of three locks in the Storkow waterways, which are heavily utilized during summer months, accommodating up to 10,000 sport boats and passenger ships traveling between Berlin and Scharmützelsee.