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Nautical Information | Port Basins and Maximum Loaded Drafts

The center column in the table below lists current floor reference data and zero water levels for the port basins.

The maximum loaded draft should be at least 30cm less than the water depth. The approximate loaded drafts in the right column are based on this minimum clearance and refer to the Ruhrort water level. In cases where the actual draft approaches the maximum loaded draft, the allowed draft must be calculated using the port basin floor reference datum, the water level reading in Ruhrort, Duisburg or Hochfeld and the minimum clearance of 30cm.

The port basin floor reference data constitute the minimum depth of the basin which may however not be reached in the vicinity of sloped embankments.

Bridge Crossings

The table below contains data for the calculation of bridge clearances. They are referred to the Ruhrort water level and account for water level station differences as well as a certain safety margin.

In cases where the height of the ship approaches the bridge clearance, the exact clearance must be calculated using the altitude given for the bridge superstructure and the actual Ruhrort or Duisburg water level. It can alternatively be read from the bridge abutment markers.

*The Ruhrort water level must be deducted from the clearance base datum

Covered Terminals

The table below lists base data for the calculation of covered terminal clearances. The Ruhrort water level must be deducted from the data given.

Vessel and tow barge combination traffic

• Vessels and tow barge combinations must be transported, assembled and disconnected in such a way that the safety and proper operation of the port and port facilities, along with the environment, are not at risk, and that other units or persons are not damaged, insured, put at risk, or hindered or inconvenienced more than is inevitable under the circumstances.
• Above and beyond the statutory requirements, each ship captain must take all precautionary measures that are required in line with due diligence and shipping practice.
• The length, width, height, draft and speed of vessels and tow barge combinations must be adapted to the conditions of the port waters and port facilities.
• In the case of imminent danger, ship captains must take all measures required under the circumstances, even if this forces them to deviate from the statutory provisions.
• Vessels and tow barge combinations may not pass other vessels - except small vessels.
• Small vessels may only be passed as an exception, once the passing unit has ensured that this maneuver can be completed without risk.
• Single small moving vessels, as well as tow barge combinations and connected vessels that must consist solely of small vessels, are required to leave the space that is required by all other vessels to continue on their route and for maneuvering purposes.
• In general, vessel combinations and vessels should avoid encounters in tight waters that do not allow sufficient room for passing maneuvers. To this end, narrow passages must be transversed as quickly as possible. In the case of restricted views, all vessels and tow barge combinations must emit a "long sound" before they enter a narrow waterway. This sound must be repeated during the passage if the narrow waterway is of some length.
• If encounters are nevertheless impossible to avoid, the captain of the vessel combination must take all measures to ensure that the encounter takes place at a location and under conditions that rule out possible risks. If necessary, he must stop at a suitable location in a timely manner and provide as much space on the waterway as possible.