Isn’t it interesting how waterways shape our world? Today we are standing before the former Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Heidelberg. This building once played a vital role in managing the Neckar River.
The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Heidelberg was responsible for the Neckar from Mannheim to Horkheim. That’s a stretch of over 110 kilometers. This included the side canals. The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Heidelberg existed until March 11 2019. It then merged with the Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Stuttgart. Together they formed the new Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Neckar.
What did the Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Heidelberg actually do? They maintained the waterways. They operated locks weirs and bridges. They also oversaw construction projects. The office maintained navigation markers. Measuring water levels was another task. They also handled waterway police duties.
The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Heidelberg had several outstations. These were located in Eberbach Bad Friedrichshall and Neckarsteinach. There was also a depot. The depot had a slipway. This allowed the Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt to haul its ships out of the water.
Small boats in the Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Heidelberg district had license plates with the code HD. The Wasserstraßen-Neubauamt Heidelberg is now located at Vangerowstraße 20. It is responsible for the expansion of the Neckar River. This expansion will allow ships of 135 meters in length to navigate the river. Currently only ships with a maximum length of 105 meters can pass through the locks. The Wasserstraßen-Neubauamt Heidelberg is also responsible for the construction of fish ladders. Dams are inspected and reinforced. Landing stages are also being upgraded.
The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Neckar still maintains an office in Heidelberg. It oversees the Neckar River from Mannheim to Wernau/Plochingen. The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Neckar is responsible for waterways spanning over 200 kilometers. It is responsible for maintaining the waterways including the 27 barrages. They measure water levels flow rates and water temperature. The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Neckar also performs waterway police duties.
So while the Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Heidelberg no longer exists its legacy lives on. It continues through the Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Neckar. The important work of managing the Neckar continues. The Neckar remains a vital waterway thanks to these dedicated agencies.