# Sinterklaas's mooring in Grave too shallow, so army puts in a pontoon

> Soldiers have installed a floating bridge in Grave so Sinterklaas can still step ashore from his steamboat at the national arrival.

Society · published 2026-11-12 09:34 · https://nlnow.nl/a/sinterklaas-s-mooring-in-grave-too-shallow-so-defence-lays-a-pontoon/

The berth on the quay in Grave is too shallow for Sinterklaas's steamboat at the national arrival (intocht). The Ministry of Defence stepped in: soldiers from the Regiment Genietroepen installed a pontoon (floating bridge), so Sinterklaas can still come ashore in the town.

A spokesperson for the municipality of Land van Cuijk, of which Grave is part, said the problem had been known for a while.

Jan Möllers sets up the gangway for the national arrival every year. He said that this time a small bridge is being put in for the Sint and the Pieten, so that Sinterklaas can moor there and celebrate. It is the first time his gangway has rested on a pontoon bridge.

The river's water level is not the cause of the problem.

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