Completion of rehabilitation at the Gorodets hydropower plant set for July 26.
The Gorodetsky Hydroelectric Complex, located in the Nizhny Novgorod region, has experienced a setback as a result of an unfortunate incident involving the collapse of a lock chamber on July 22, 2025. Here's the latest on the situation:
## Repair Completion Date
The Ministry of Transport has announced that the completion of restoration work at the Gorodetsky hydroelectric complex is expected on July 26, 2025. This date was determined following a comprehensive examination of the site.
## Vessel Traffic
Due to the accident, the Gorodetsky hydroelectric complex was closed to cargo and passenger ship traffic. This closure has resulted in a significant backlog, with dry cargo ships and barges accumulating near the complex.
## Passenger Compensation
At this point, no specific information regarding passenger compensation following the accident is available. The focus has been on the restoration of operations and dealing with the immediate impacts on shipping.
## Future Developments
With the repair works scheduled to be completed by July 26, it is expected that vessel traffic will resume shortly after. However, details on how passenger and cargo disruptions will be addressed, including any potential compensation measures, may be forthcoming in the next few days as the situation evolves.
In the meantime, specialists are equipped with all necessary materials and equipment to restore navigation promptly. As for the queue of vessels, 57 cargo vessels with a total cargo of over 100,000 tons are currently waiting in the queue at the complex. Initially, 14 passenger vessels were scheduled to pass through the Gorodetsky Hydroelectric Complex from July 23 to 25.
Yesterday, divers inspected the underwater part of the damaged lintel. Simultaneously, specialists dismantled the above-water part of the lintel, which is now completely removed. The obstruction caused by the tilted lintel is planned to be fully removed by July 26.
To accommodate affected passengers, excursions to regional attractions are being organized, and tour operators are developing alternative travel plans, including transferring to other vessels, changing routes, and transporting passengers by land and water. Discussions are ongoing with tour operators and shipping companies regarding passenger compensation.
Rosmorrechflot is in contact with the captains of the cargo vessels, and all issues are being resolved. The main chamber of the complex remains undamaged. Work on the ground embankment is ongoing around the clock, with the embankment now 95% complete, allowing additional equipment to approach the lock.
Once the safety check is conducted by Rostransnadzor, which involves filling the chamber with water and performing test launches, navigation on the Volga in the Nizhny Novgorod region will resume. The safety check is a crucial step towards restoring normal operations at the Gorodetsky Hydroelectric Complex.
The incidence at the Gorodetsky Hydroelectric Complex has temporarily halted vessel traffic in the finance sector, particularly in the cargo and passenger ship industry. With the repairs scheduled for completion by July 26, the resumption of normal energy flow through the complex is expected, which could potentially lead to the resumption of interrupted financial activities. Moreover, the addressing of passenger disruptions, including potential compensation measures, may be announced in the next few days.
