With a handling volume of 3.5 million tons of goods the Port of Saarlouis/Dillingen is one of Germany´s strongest inland harbours and, thus, the backbone of the local heavy industry. The interest in what happens at the harbour is big. Responding to this a harbour festival will be organized on Sunday, 11 September, and organizer Saarport will come up with something very special: The southern pier – Südkai – rather sober in everyday life – will turn into a place with maritime and holiday atmosphere. As a special highlight for children a climbing tower of 12 meters height will be installed.
However, also information on shipping and port life is not neglected on the Südkai. Involved are companies present at the port, shipping authorities and associations such as the Water and Shipping Authority (WSA), River Police, Technical Relief Organisation (THW), Police Sports Club, Model Ship Club Untere Saar and Sea School Poseidon.
The excursion boat Riverlady provides moderated tours of the port, try-out boat trips are offered by Sea School Poseidon. If you want something faster, enjoy a round trip on the THW´s operational vessel. The harbour basin can also be explored on so-called Donuts. Various vessels, among them the fully renovated horse-drawn boat AnnaLeonie of the Saarland Fishing Federation, are moored on the heavy-load quay. A modern cargo ship of the type that is operative between North Sea ports and the major inland waterways Rhine, Moselle and Saar can be visited. A working ship of the Water and Shipping Authority rounds off the image. Last but not least, WSA also presents scubas and info panels on the major waterway Saar.
On the heavy-load quay, a sea promenade with beach playground, beach market and accordionist is built. Much attention is paid to families with children: Apart from the climbing tower and beach playground, children can walk on water by means of so-called splashballs or enjoy themselves on the pirate ship. In the festival tent, a colourful entertainment programme including the Orchestra of the Dillinger Hütte, Shanty-Chor Bisttalmöwen and DaVinci awaits the guests. Maritime and local food and drinks are available in the festival tent and the beach bistro. The festival starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m.
The event is organized by Flug-Hafen-Saarland GmbH, a subsidiary of Strukturholding Saar. Since the beginning of 2015, the company has been responsible not only for the three Saar ports but also for Saarbrücken Airport. To believe Managing Director Thomas Schuck, the Airport Festival and Port Festival shall in the future be organized in alternate years. `With the merging of port and airport into one company, we want to establish a new tradition. On 11 September, we will start with the Port Festival in Saarlouis/Dillingen. In June next year, the next Airport Festival will take place.`
