Werfthafenbrücke

‘From A to A’ - a new centre for Geestemünde

Location

Bremerhaven
Project

Construction of a bascule bridge
Procedure

EU-wide restricted realisation competition as an invitation competition (3rd prize)
Awarding authority

BIS mbh
Client

Land Bremen und Stadt Bremerhaven
Architect of record

Caspar Schmitz-Morkramer
Building structure

Werner Sobek AG
Mechanics

Dr. Schippke + Partner
Planning period

2025
Visualizations

moka-studio

In the heart of the new shipyard district, a bridge is being built that transcends its role as a mere crossing. Rather than merely connecting two banks, it is creating a new centre — for the district, the city and its people. Rather than providing a straightforward route from A to B, the new bascule bridge connects A to A, forming a symbolic and functional link that unites the neighbourhood on both sides of the harbour basin, treating the banks as equal urban spaces. When closed, the bridge remains almost invisible — flat and restrained with clean lines. It blends into the harbour landscape without disturbing it. However, when open, it becomes a sculptural object: a precisely folded ribbon that rises up to become a temporary landmark. Its shape is inspired by ship hulls — a silent homage to the location’s maritime history. The design avoids unnecessary embellishment, focusing instead on structure, geometry, and the visual impact of movement.

How the supporting structure works: slim, strong and sustainable.

The bridge consists of two 24-metre-long symmetrical flaps with a central support in between them. Measuring 55.8 metres in length and 8.9 metres in width, the structure blends into the harbour basin in terms of both function and urban planning. The hinged sections are designed as hollow steel boxes — an efficient construction method that provides a high load-bearing capacity while keeping the dead weight low. The cross-sections are optimised so that material is dispensed with where possible and concentrated where necessary. The central support reduces the span widths, and thus the mass, of the flaps, while also enabling calm, balanced statics. Two slender pillars support the structure, providing support while remaining unobtrusive. The entire bridge is designed as an integrated system: This means it manages without bearings. This eliminates one maintenance-intensive and wear-prone component, which is beneficial for sustainability and operational safety. The bridge also sets ecological standards: the use of CO₂-reduced steel and a resource-efficient design minimise the ecological footprint as much as possible.

Silent power. The technology behind the movement.

Two hydraulic cylinders per bridge flap guarantee the safe and controlled movement of the bascule bridge. The bridge opens completely in just 90 seconds, operating quietly and precisely to facilitate shipping planning. All of the drive technology is easily accessible in the engine room, and is designed for a long service life and low maintenance costs. The built-in hydraulics utilise a load-sensing system that uses only as much energy as is needed. This intelligent system saves resources and operating costs. The technology is also forward-looking in terms of sustainability, as the hydraulic system uses biodegradable oils. A smart monitoring system enables remote monitoring of all technical components. In the event of maintenance or malfunctions, all systems can be controlled remotely, which is a clear advantage in daily operation. In an emergency, such as a power failure, the bridge is always safe thanks to its redundant locking systems, emergency power connections and manual control units.

This is how the bridge would be built: precisely, quickly, sustainably

The construction of the bridge is geared towards efficiency and minimising the impact on the sensitive harbour environment. Rather than carrying out time-consuming excavation work, all the foundations will be driven directly into the ground from the pontoon using tubular steel piles, ensuring a quick and precise process with minimal disruption to local residents and the surrounding nature. The bridge components themselves — the flaps, piers and abutments — are also prefabricated. These four large components are produced under optimal conditions in local shipyards or steel construction companies. They are fully coated and transported by ship to their final location.

caspar.team

Architect of record

Caspar Schmitz-Morkramer

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Project management design
Johannes Feder

Project team design
Francisco Javier Vaz Cano
Jutta Göttlicher
Jonas Ritgen