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The Wesel-Datteln-Canal is a federal waterway and one of Germany's most important and busiest shipping canals.
The canal runs parallel south to the Lippe river and is 60 km long. It connects the Rhine with the Dortmund-Ems-Canal near Datteln. With altogether six canals levels (locks) a height difference of maximal 44 metres is being overcome depending on the Rhine water level.
The locks Hünxe create the 2nd of the six channel levels of the Wesel-Datteln-channel.
They are located at the channel kilometre 13,31 and have a water level difference of 5,50 m.
The large lock was built in 1923. It is 222 m long and 11,85 m wide.
At both ends are lifting gates. These were renewed in 1993. The small lock originates from the years 1965-1967. It is 112 m long and 11,62 m wide.
Both locks are designed for vessels with a draft of maximum 2,80 m. The photo shows vessels waiting on the lower part of the river before the locks.