The V-shaped columns, each weighing 75t, were transported by ship across the North Sea from their production site in Belgium. A floating crane lifted and held them in position as they were secured onto their anchor points, which are embedded in concrete.

A 30m-long moveable element in the middle of the bridge will allow large ships to access berthing in Baakenhafen.

Buro Happold has been involved with the project since winning an international design competition with architects Wilkinson Eyre, and is now providing the structural and the building services engineering.

The new steel bridge will straddle the harbour to connect the Baakenhafen peninsula to Hamburg’s HafenCity. The opening of the bridge to the public will be marked with a festival in August.