- Commencement of the destruction of the dismissed Caikante structure
In Flensburg, demolition started on the collapsed waterfront that went down last November. Despite its deceptive look, this structure serves as a type of bridge, made up of numerous supports holding a concrete slab. The protection wall is situated a few meters away. Investigations have shown that numerous supports are dangerously close to collapsing, as per Heiko Ewen, the manager of the Technical Operations Center (TOC).
The extensive demolition work is predicted to wrap up by early October, in time for the commencement of the new storm season, according to Ulrich Klus from the appointed company. The protection wall will be reinforced with water barriers during this period.
A major storm surge from the Baltic Sea hit the Flensburg harbor region in October 2023. The age-old waterfront on the western side was greatly impacted. Following a subsequent receding tide, the waterfront sank about half a meter over a length of around 130 meters during the night of November 22-23. It has continued to deteriorate since then.
Estimated expenses of up to 15 million euros
The car park and the harbor promenade, where numerous historic ships usually dock, are currently blocked off by construction barriers, causing dissatisfaction among many Flensburg residents and city visitors. It will take several years before a new waterfront with promenade is constructed.
The waterfront cannot be repaired but instead must be demolished and rebuilt. The protection wall has not sustained any damage, but it will also be restored as part of the waterfront reconstruction project. The administration has estimated the total expenses, including the new construction, to be up to 15 million euros. The expenses for the demolition of the decaying structure alone are estimated to be around one million euros.
The demolition work on the decaying waterfront, which collapsed last November, is progressing steadily. Once completed, the protection wall will undergo restoration as part of the broader waterfront reconstruction project.
