BATEAUX SPÉCIALISTES

Heath Robinson had nothing on these de-weeders. Weed can be and is a problem on some canals. However, on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin Est they take it seriously. Whether these craft are commercially available or custom built I have no idea. They are certainly effective cutting weed below water, pulling the weed up the conveyor and ejecting it into a waiting barge when full via the back conveyor. I do like the paddle wheel propulsion which is also the steering.

All full ahead.

The local waterfowl has to be carefull as the yellow and black sides to the conveyor ramp are reciprocating cutting blades.

Close range clearing in the port.