VNF - Nord-Pas-de-Calais CLU 25th May 2023

The meeting started with an introduction by Olivier Matrat, Direction N-P-de-C, who proceeded to run the meeting.

Reports of freight and pleasure traffic spoke of an exceptional year 2022 (see slides 5,6,and .  Very interesting to see the Sambre doing better than before it was closed.  The early part of 2023 saw a much slower and lower start although it was felt May would start to see a considerable improvement. ( see slides 7 and 9).

A short presentation on the new téléconduite system (remote control) of locks, barrages and other structures being planned for operation in 2025 using just two PCCs (control stations) for the whole N-P-de-C territory.

Details of the effects of the recent strikes, which - if I understand correctly - was minimal.

An update on the chômages (stoppages) followed and may be seen in slides 17 to 21 for 2023 and slides 22 and 23 for 2024.

A lengthy presentation updating the works on the Canal Seine-Nord Europe was beamed in from afar, as that canal is being developed by a separate organisation; Sociéte Du Canal Seine-Nord Europe.  Slides 25 to 47 and 48 to 55  (1 to 8 of part two of the translation)

Next came an interesting presentation on the use of sediments removed from the bed of the territory’s waterways.  First the dredgings need to be valued then (assuming there is no violent chemical involved) it is deposited in an enormous, but shallow, water-tight container (field) to allow the sediment to dry.  The result can then be used to make concrete blocks and other which may be used to contain canals as well as many other uses.  Slides 56 to 68 refer (9 to 22 in part two of translation).

The meeting concluded, apart from questions which I have covered previously, with an update on the development of the bornes supplying water and electricity.  As has been reported before the intention is to have a system which is the same all over the VNF system and is available to book online.  
The presentation started with a look at the history from the first installations in 2004 to 2022 when 95 bornes had been positioned in the territory and used by 700 (300 commercials, 300 plaisanciers and 100 live-aboard on a COT).  The discussion spoke to the advantages of using a shore based power source as opposed to using a generator, for example, and went on to tell of the intention of allowing users to buy online for supply in any VNF territory by 2026.

Attached are the presentation slides first in French then in two parts in something approaching English.  I find if there is something that doesn’t make sense in the translation it helps to go back to that page in French and maybe do a line by line translation as sadly the software I use is not perfect and I cannot adjust within.

Bob

I attended the user group meeting (CLU) in Lille yesterday and will start with responses to the various questions members had asked me to raise.

Scarpe Supérieure:  VNF will maintain a depth of navigable water of 1m 60 and the upper section will be maintained by CUA (Arras) at 1m 20.

La Houlle mooring:  Although the pontoon has not been replaced yet I was informed there are 40 mooring rings on shore and the section has been dredged to enable these to be used.

Riqueval Tunnel:  Towing is to stop in September 2024.  Details re safety etc. to come.

Stoppages (chômages) on Canal de Saint Quentin:  The attached page from the CLU's presentation states, in translation... 
"Suspension of navigation on the St Quentin for the Noyelles and St Waast canal bridges.
Diagnosis of structures and preventive maintenance carried out on Noyelles (07/08 to 11/08), Saint Waast (cancelled), Proville (05/06 to 16/06) and Honnecourt (26/06 to 03/07)."

Bob