Work Operation: Work Continues on Assembling the New Gate

Until the spring of 2027, dry dock N° 3 at the Saint Nazaire port facility will be used for the assembly of the 46 blocks and 16 tubes which, once welded together, will form the future upstream gate. These components are prefabricated by MATIERE at three plants (two in France and one in Belgium). Around thirty blocks have already been assembled.

The next step – and by no means the least important – is the application of anti-corrosion protection. Painting work is due to begin in mid-October.

Once the assembly has been completed, the new gate will be positioned afloat in the dock and then conveyed to the Joubert sluice dock, where it will remain until its installation as the replacement of the existing structure.

A look back in pictures (courtesy of Nantes ‒ Saint Nazaire Port – Franck Badaire, September 2026) >>> Click to scroll through.