On January 23, the 105 meter long self-propelled barge Bavaria 52 allided with the lock gate on the Main-Donau Canal at Erlangen, Germany. The Bavaria 52 was en route to Bamberg with 1500 tons of rape seed when it struck the lock gate.  No reports of damage to the barge, injuries or pollution released. The lock gate was severely damaged and was no long operable. Traffic has been halted at Erlangen until the gate can be removed and replaced. Reports state the vessel’s master had ignored traffic signal that the lock gate was closed. Estimated damage is estimated to be over 100,000 Euros.