Envision a time when this Alter Hafenkran was the lifeblood of Dortmund’s harbor. This towering structure stands as a proud symbol of the city’s industrial heritage. The Alter Hafenkran is more than just metal and gears. It is a window into a bygone era.
Back in 1906, Lohmann and Co. GmbH in Duisburg built this electrically powered Vollportalkran. The Alter Hafenkran played a vital role in loading and unloading ships. Dortmund’s harbor transformed into a major European canal hub because of it. This Alter Hafenkran is one of the last of its kind in Westfalen. Only two portal cranes remain. “Portal” refers to the rail-mounted undercarriage. These cranes were in operation until 1984.
Imagine the hustle and bustle around the Alter Hafenkran. Dockworkers scurrying about. Cargo being hoisted with precision. The air thick with the smells of industry and the sounds of labor. After a fire in 2010, the Alter Hafenkran was dismantled for safety.
But the story doesn’t end there. The city recognized its historical value. The Alter Hafenkran was carefully restored. The restoration faced challenges. Wet weather delayed progress. Protective layers needed constant renewal.
In August 2024, the Alter Hafenkran made its final journey. It was transported by ship to its new location on the Speicherstrasse promenade. The move wasn’t easy. The crane was heavier than original documents indicated. A floating crane from Rotterdam was used to put the pieces together.
The location has original details. The cable channel has been recreated. This channel once carried the crane’s power. Now, it houses the lighting for nighttime display. A buffer stop stands as a reminder of its working days.
The Alter Hafenkran stands vis-a-vis the historic harbor office. It is near the Santa Monika landing. The Sunderweg bridge frames it. The Alter Hafenkran is accessible. You can walk through its portal. It is a monument you can touch.
The Alter Hafenkran has witnessed much. It saw Dortmund’s harbor rise. The harbor celebrated its 125th anniversary recently. It embodies the spirit of innovation. It is a reminder of Dortmund’s transformation. As darkness falls, ground spotlights illuminate the Alter Hafenkran. It shines as a beacon of the past. It links the past to the present. It also points to the future.