Launched in September 2020, the Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Spree-Havel is a vital hub. It ensures safe and efficient navigation on Berlin and Brandenburg’s waterways.
The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Spree-Havel emerged from a merger. The former Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsämter of Berlin and Brandenburg joined forces. This happened as part of a larger reform. The reform aimed to streamline Germany’s waterways administration. Katrin Urbitsch leads the Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Spree-Havel. She previously managed the WSA Hann. Münden for 13 years. She also led the WSA Berlin for a year.
Imagine the Spree-Havel region. It is a vast network of rivers, lakes, and canals. The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Spree-Havel oversees 950 km of federal waterways. These waterways connect the Elbe and Oder rivers. Over 5 million tons of goods are transported annually here. Around 100,000 registered leisure boats also use these waterways.
The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Spree-Havel plays a crucial role. It maintains the waterways’ navigability. Its team maintains canal banks like the Landwehrkanal and Elbe-Havel-Kanal. They ensure sufficient water depths for shipping. The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Spree-Havel manages 32 locks and weirs. They also look after 166 federal bridges within their jurisdiction.
The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Spree-Havel’s history dates back to 1821. That was the year of the Prussian hydraulic engineering administration’s establishment. After German reunification, it became part of the Federal Waterways Administration. This administration reports to the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.
The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Spree-Havel has several responsibilities. These include maintaining waterways and operating structures. They also handle construction projects. Furthermore, they maintain and operate navigational markers. Water level measurements are taken. The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrt polices the waterways.
The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Spree-Havel has offices in Berlin and Brandenburg an der Havel. It also operates outside these districts. Spandau, Neukölln, and Erkner are included. You will also find them in Fürstenwalde and Kummersdorf. Potsdam, Rathenow, and Genthin are also locations. They run construction yards in Brandenburg and Berlin. There is a training workshop in Fürstenwalde too. The office in Berlin hosts specialists. These specialists work for the Geodesy and Geoinformatics department.
The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Spree-Havel ensures that the Spree and Havel rivers are safe and navigable. This supports both commercial and recreational activities. It balances economic needs with ecological sustainability.