Starting point

In order to give fish an unhindered path upstream again, fish ladders are being built at power plants, waterfalls and other sites with transverse structures. A steel construction with a total length of  204 m was the solution at the Axpo power plant in Eglisau-Glatfelden.

Project description

A steel channel of over 200 metres was installed within around 6 months. The individual components weighed between 5-25 tonnes and were hoisted into the relevant positions using a pneumatic crane. The individual sections were joined together using lots of screws. This means that even a strongly fluctuating water level cannot harm this construction. Steel walls were built into the channel so that fish on the way to their spawning grounds could take a break from their arduous journey. These give the fish a current-free zone within the ladder so that they can gather their strength to carry on up the ascent.

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The major challenge of this project was inserting the channel sections into the already existing, rounded power plant wall.

Marco Jäger – Mechanic, Shiptec AG
Key data 
Client / CustomerAxpo Power AG
Project volumeapprox. 1.2 million CHF
Year of completion2016
Shiptec servicesPlanning, construction and installation at the power plant