We’re excited to announce the commencement of one of our biggest projects yet: the replacement of the rail system on the inclined plane in Ronquières, Belgium. This monumental structure, constructed between 1960 and 1968 on the Charleroi-Brussels canal, was part of a comprehensive plan to modernize the waterway and increase its capacity to 1,350 tons.

The Ronquières structure comprises two metal basins, each 91 meters long and 12 meters wide, containing water at varying heights ranging from 3 to 3.70 meters. Ferries navigate within these basins, guided by movable doors at each end. Each ferry, weighing between 5,200 and 5,600 tons, is balanced by a 5,300-tonnes counterweight and supported by 236 rollers running on four rails.

We’re tasked with replacing the entire existing rail system for this project. Our local Gantrex team will be in charge of all welding operations for the total of 34 kilometers of rail. Stay tuned for updates on this monumental endeavor as we contribute to the modernization of vital infrastructure.