Flowing through Austria, the Danube covers a distance of about 350 km and overcomes a height difference of more than 150 metres. This energy potential is used by the nine Danube power plants to generate energy from hydropower. To overcome the height difference, vessels have to pass a lock at each of these power plants. Hence, the smooth and customer-friendly operation of the locks is another essential element of a well-functioning waterway infrastructure.

In accordance with the provisions of the Federal Waterways Act, the Navigation Act and the Lock Supervision Regulation, via donau is responsible for lock supervision and lock traffic management at all locks along the Danube and at the Nussdorf lock on the Danube Canal. The lock facilities themselves fall within the ownership and responsibility of Verbund Hydro Power.

In particular, lock supervision includes the following tasks:

• Management of vessel traffic at the locks
  
  • Determination of the locking order
  • Monitoring of lock traffic by means of radio, radar and DoRIS
  • Technical operation of the locks

• Contact point for skippers
  
  • Advice and information (e.g. current traffic, water levels, danger areas)
  • Processing of applications and documents

• Monitoring of compliance with legal provisions by skippers in and around the locks
  
  • Safety inspection of vessel equipment
  • Special services for dangerous goods transport and special transport operations
• Ongoing monitoring of the locks and the fairway and waterway conditions in and around the locks
  
  • Ongoing inspections of the technical facilities
  • Initiation of measures in case of failure
  • Special tasks in the event of flooding or icing
• Implementation of measures in the event of accidents in and around the locks

Click here for more information on the locks along the Danube!