1 00:00:00,185 --> 00:00:05,185 (water trickling) (gentle string music) 2 00:00:06,065 --> 00:00:09,320 October 28th, 2018, 3 00:00:09,320 --> 00:00:11,230 the pictures of the high tide in Venice 4 00:00:11,230 --> 00:00:13,280 go viral around the world. 5 00:00:13,280 --> 00:00:15,340 This is nothing new for the Venetians, 6 00:00:15,340 --> 00:00:17,820 who are used to it, (water sloshing) 7 00:00:17,820 --> 00:00:19,630 but the intensity of the storm 8 00:00:19,630 --> 00:00:22,590 caught everyone off guard, even the organizers 9 00:00:22,590 --> 00:00:23,943 of the Venice Marathon. 10 00:00:25,800 --> 00:00:28,380 Despite last minute changes to the starting time 11 00:00:28,380 --> 00:00:30,980 and route, they couldn't but give participants 12 00:00:30,980 --> 00:00:33,583 an experience they'll never forget. 13 00:00:33,583 --> 00:00:35,200 (soft string music) 14 00:00:35,200 --> 00:00:37,400 It had been 10 years since a high tide 15 00:00:37,400 --> 00:00:41,253 had exceeded the threshold of 1.5 meters above sea level. 16 00:00:43,890 --> 00:00:46,930 On October 28th at 2:00 p.m., 17 00:00:46,930 --> 00:00:49,283 75% of the city was underwater. 18 00:00:50,450 --> 00:00:52,920 The usual solutions, such as walkways, 19 00:00:52,920 --> 00:00:55,893 pumps and barriers, were not enough this time. 20 00:00:55,893 --> 00:01:00,206 (water sloshing) (eerie music) 21 00:01:00,206 --> 00:01:01,039 (people chattering) 22 00:01:01,039 --> 00:01:02,380 Inevitably, restaurant goers 23 00:01:02,380 --> 00:01:03,780 were forced to eat their pizza 24 00:01:03,780 --> 00:01:06,379 with their feet in the standing water. 25 00:01:06,379 --> 00:01:08,879 (eerie music) 26 00:01:12,720 --> 00:01:14,870 Even the mosaics of San Marco were covered 27 00:01:14,870 --> 00:01:17,080 by the saltwater, which gradually arose 28 00:01:17,080 --> 00:01:19,830 up the walls of the basilica and attacked the frescoes. 29 00:01:20,795 --> 00:01:25,090 (eerie music) (water sloshing) 30 00:01:25,090 --> 00:01:28,007 The city superintendent's monument said, 31 00:01:28,007 --> 00:01:31,629 "Venice has aged 20 years in one day." 32 00:01:31,629 --> 00:01:34,129 (eerie music) 33 00:01:35,170 --> 00:01:37,080 This is nothing compared to the damage 34 00:01:37,080 --> 00:01:40,321 caused by the November 1966 flooding. 35 00:01:40,321 --> 00:01:42,097 (eerie music) 36 00:01:42,097 --> 00:01:46,014 (speaking in foreign language) 37 00:01:48,550 --> 00:01:50,440 In just a few hours, the water rose 38 00:01:50,440 --> 00:01:52,700 by almost two meters, and the tide took control 39 00:01:52,700 --> 00:01:56,010 of the city for almost 18 consecutive hours. 40 00:01:56,010 --> 00:02:00,157 (speaking in foreign language) 41 00:02:00,157 --> 00:02:02,710 It was an unprecedented alarm bell. 42 00:02:02,710 --> 00:02:05,650 To save Venice, it was essential to control the tide 43 00:02:05,650 --> 00:02:07,954 coming into the lagoon from the open sea, 44 00:02:07,954 --> 00:02:10,123 but how could this be done? 45 00:02:11,184 --> 00:02:13,116 (eerie music) 46 00:02:13,116 --> 00:02:16,170 Only a system of floodgates at the four lagoon entrance 47 00:02:16,170 --> 00:02:18,670 that could protect the city from floodings. 48 00:02:18,670 --> 00:02:23,670 Two at Lido Inlet, one at Malamocco, and one at Chioggia. 49 00:02:25,406 --> 00:02:27,906 (eerie music) 50 00:02:28,740 --> 00:02:31,391 This solution, called MOSE, is based on an idea 51 00:02:31,391 --> 00:02:34,193 that is as simple as it is innovative. 52 00:02:36,880 --> 00:02:40,435 It consists in 78 flap gates like these. 53 00:02:40,435 --> 00:02:43,743 They weigh nearly 330 tons each, 54 00:02:44,600 --> 00:02:47,840 and will normally lie on the bottom of the lagoon. 55 00:02:47,840 --> 00:02:50,340 (eerie music) 56 00:02:51,320 --> 00:02:53,640 When needed, the flap gates can be pumped with air 57 00:02:53,640 --> 00:02:55,460 until they rise in a straight line, 58 00:02:55,460 --> 00:02:57,623 blocking the flow of the tide coming in. 59 00:02:59,690 --> 00:03:02,900 Despite its simplicity, the MOSE is the most ambitious 60 00:03:02,900 --> 00:03:05,310 and complex hydraulic engineering project 61 00:03:05,310 --> 00:03:07,413 ever attempted in the world. 62 00:03:07,413 --> 00:03:10,289 (eerie music) 63 00:03:10,289 --> 00:03:12,956 (water rushing) 64 00:03:14,080 --> 00:03:17,550 Here, we're at the Malamocco construction site, 65 00:03:17,550 --> 00:03:20,060 where this metal structure called grasshopper 66 00:03:20,060 --> 00:03:22,802 has just finished positioning a flap gate. 67 00:03:22,802 --> 00:03:26,340 The pontoon is on its way to pick it up 68 00:03:26,340 --> 00:03:27,460 and move it to the spot 69 00:03:27,460 --> 00:03:29,360 where it will lower the following one. 70 00:03:31,600 --> 00:03:35,150 The pontoon, loaded with the next flap gate, 71 00:03:35,150 --> 00:03:37,840 must make for the moment of calm between tides 72 00:03:37,840 --> 00:03:39,863 before slipping under the grasshopper. 73 00:03:41,610 --> 00:03:44,340 The first step is to secure it to the buoys 74 00:03:44,340 --> 00:03:48,063 positioned at the four cardinal points using steel cables. 75 00:03:49,070 --> 00:03:51,280 With the help of winches, the cables 76 00:03:51,280 --> 00:03:52,930 will keep the pontoon still 77 00:03:52,930 --> 00:03:55,406 in its position under the grasshopper. 78 00:03:55,406 --> 00:03:58,406 (people chattering) 79 00:04:00,220 --> 00:04:04,150 Now, the technicians can extend the heavy steeled structure 80 00:04:04,150 --> 00:04:06,803 until it slots into the rail of the grasshopper. 81 00:04:08,633 --> 00:04:11,550 (machine rattling) 82 00:04:15,150 --> 00:04:17,850 The noise of the generators is deafening. 83 00:04:17,850 --> 00:04:19,550 This is why the hooking operations 84 00:04:19,550 --> 00:04:22,500 are directed by small conventional hand gestures 85 00:04:22,500 --> 00:04:24,483 that guide and correct the maneuvers. 86 00:04:25,510 --> 00:04:29,330 The maneuver itself requires the utmost precious, 87 00:04:29,330 --> 00:04:31,533 because there is no room for mistake. 88 00:04:32,960 --> 00:04:35,520 The movements of the structure are constantly obstructed 89 00:04:35,520 --> 00:04:38,230 by the currents or by passing ships, 90 00:04:38,230 --> 00:04:41,212 so much so that it needs a constant adjustment. 91 00:04:41,212 --> 00:04:46,212 (water rushing) (machines rumbling) 92 00:04:52,930 --> 00:04:56,230 The hooking has been completed, and two large pivots 93 00:04:56,230 --> 00:04:59,329 hold the structure and the grasshopper joint together. 94 00:04:59,329 --> 00:05:02,162 (hammer clanking) 95 00:05:03,000 --> 00:05:05,240 Now, the workmen hook the four legs 96 00:05:05,240 --> 00:05:08,540 with strong steel cables, and the entire grasshopper 97 00:05:08,540 --> 00:05:10,490 is slowly raised from the seafloor, 98 00:05:10,490 --> 00:05:12,433 and lifted by more than one meter. 99 00:05:13,405 --> 00:05:15,693 (man yelling in foreign language) 100 00:05:15,693 --> 00:05:18,610 (machine scraping) 101 00:05:22,300 --> 00:05:25,270 Now that the pontoon and the grasshopper are one, 102 00:05:25,270 --> 00:05:27,960 the structure can be moved with the help of the winches 103 00:05:27,960 --> 00:05:29,510 until it reaches the position 104 00:05:29,510 --> 00:05:31,823 where a new flap gate needs to be lowered. 105 00:05:33,190 --> 00:05:35,913 A passing ship makes their work even harder. 106 00:05:37,260 --> 00:05:40,050 Sophisticated electronic devices measure 107 00:05:40,050 --> 00:05:42,530 the position of individual elements 108 00:05:42,530 --> 00:05:44,930 and allow the control room to guide the descent 109 00:05:44,930 --> 00:05:47,074 with millimeter accuracy. 110 00:05:47,074 --> 00:05:50,520 (people speaking in foreign language) 111 00:05:50,520 --> 00:05:54,250 The legs must be lowered slowly until they rest 112 00:05:54,250 --> 00:05:55,610 in the designated points 113 00:05:55,610 --> 00:05:58,701 on the large reinforced concrete platform. 114 00:05:58,701 --> 00:06:03,701 The 330 ton flap gate must be gently submerged. 115 00:06:04,600 --> 00:06:07,325 The descent needs to be perfectly controlled 116 00:06:07,325 --> 00:06:10,520 to allow the hinges attached to the flap gates 117 00:06:10,520 --> 00:06:13,230 to simultaneously lodge into the steel slots 118 00:06:13,230 --> 00:06:15,023 in the reinforced concrete. 119 00:06:17,140 --> 00:06:18,740 It took years to assemble 120 00:06:18,740 --> 00:06:20,833 the concrete platform on the seafloor. 121 00:06:21,858 --> 00:06:24,820 The individual components that make up the platform 122 00:06:24,820 --> 00:06:27,783 have been built here in this site on the mainland. 123 00:06:30,100 --> 00:06:32,132 The engineers call them caissons. 124 00:06:32,132 --> 00:06:35,210 They may look like simple four story buildings 125 00:06:35,210 --> 00:06:39,280 under construction, but each and every detail is special, 126 00:06:39,280 --> 00:06:41,590 from the concrete to the steel, 127 00:06:41,590 --> 00:06:44,640 all elements must endure the saltwater, 128 00:06:44,640 --> 00:06:47,780 but the best part, when these giant caissons 129 00:06:47,780 --> 00:06:49,170 need to be lowered into the sea 130 00:06:49,170 --> 00:06:51,990 and transported, is yet to come. 131 00:06:51,990 --> 00:06:55,920 Each caisson weighs 24,000 tons and requires 132 00:06:55,920 --> 00:06:58,500 a special trolley fitted with pistons, 133 00:06:58,500 --> 00:07:00,200 which is capable to raise them 134 00:07:00,200 --> 00:07:03,540 and gently move them to the launch pontoon. 135 00:07:03,540 --> 00:07:07,360 Then, once it is semi-submerged, like an iceberg, 136 00:07:07,360 --> 00:07:09,710 the caisson is dragged by the tugboats 137 00:07:09,710 --> 00:07:11,873 until it reaches its final home. 138 00:07:11,873 --> 00:07:14,520 (eerie music) 139 00:07:14,520 --> 00:07:17,350 This is its most delicate phase, 140 00:07:17,350 --> 00:07:21,030 the caisson needs to be lowered slowly until it rests 141 00:07:21,030 --> 00:07:22,650 on the ballasts that have been prepared 142 00:07:22,650 --> 00:07:25,464 on the seafloor to house it. 143 00:07:25,464 --> 00:07:27,881 (soft music) 144 00:07:29,420 --> 00:07:31,510 It needs to be aligned with the previous one 145 00:07:31,510 --> 00:07:33,950 in such a way that the trimming between one caisson 146 00:07:33,950 --> 00:07:36,739 and the next is completely watertight. 147 00:07:36,739 --> 00:07:39,550 (soft music) 148 00:07:39,550 --> 00:07:41,690 The platform has been designed to contain 149 00:07:41,690 --> 00:07:45,357 an underwater tunnel that crosses the entire stretch of sea. 150 00:07:45,357 --> 00:07:47,774 (soft music) 151 00:07:52,540 --> 00:07:54,570 Here, the technicians can go down 152 00:07:54,570 --> 00:07:57,013 and fix the hinges of the flap gates. 153 00:07:57,013 --> 00:07:59,430 (soft music) 154 00:08:07,850 --> 00:08:09,903 But let's return to the surface. 155 00:08:11,010 --> 00:08:14,640 The grasshopper is once again firmly on its legs, 156 00:08:14,640 --> 00:08:17,520 ready to receive the flap gate that has been waiting 157 00:08:17,520 --> 00:08:19,696 on the pontoon until now. 158 00:08:19,696 --> 00:08:22,113 (soft music) 159 00:08:23,450 --> 00:08:25,060 The trolleys turn it around 160 00:08:25,060 --> 00:08:26,620 and take it under the grasshopper, 161 00:08:26,620 --> 00:08:28,763 which will finally be maneuvering it. 162 00:08:29,880 --> 00:08:32,790 (soft music) 163 00:08:32,790 --> 00:08:35,240 The workmen carefully wash and lubricate 164 00:08:35,240 --> 00:08:39,670 the anchorages, then, the beam is lowered 165 00:08:39,670 --> 00:08:41,530 to allow the hooks to be positioned 166 00:08:41,530 --> 00:08:43,920 at the designated slots. 167 00:08:43,920 --> 00:08:46,320 A small rotation, and there we are. 168 00:08:46,320 --> 00:08:49,111 The beam is firmly hooked. 169 00:08:49,111 --> 00:08:50,910 (soft music) Attention. 170 00:08:50,910 --> 00:08:51,743 (machine rumbling) 171 00:08:51,743 --> 00:08:54,060 Now, the hydraulic lifts come into play, 172 00:08:54,060 --> 00:08:57,349 raising the flap gate and freeing the trolleys. 173 00:08:57,349 --> 00:09:00,550 (machine rumbling) (soft music) 174 00:09:00,550 --> 00:09:03,080 The pontoon has finished its task. 175 00:09:03,080 --> 00:09:05,543 It is free to set off back to the base. 176 00:09:07,703 --> 00:09:08,536 The day is coming to an end, 177 00:09:08,536 --> 00:09:11,550 but for the workmen, the job isn't finished yet. 178 00:09:11,550 --> 00:09:15,360 First, they must recover and roll up the ropes. 179 00:09:15,360 --> 00:09:18,130 It's a tricky task that for months they've been repeating 180 00:09:18,130 --> 00:09:22,032 with skillful movements each time they position a new gate. 181 00:09:22,032 --> 00:09:26,270 (speaking in foreign language) 182 00:09:26,270 --> 00:09:28,200 This evening, though, they're in the mood 183 00:09:28,200 --> 00:09:30,730 for a celebration, it's the eve 184 00:09:30,730 --> 00:09:32,830 of the end of the works here in Malamocco. 185 00:09:33,918 --> 00:09:36,190 It's the right occasion for a photo 186 00:09:36,190 --> 00:09:38,010 to celebrate the long days spent 187 00:09:38,010 --> 00:09:40,150 in this corner of the lagoon. 188 00:09:40,150 --> 00:09:41,980 The men are thinking about the finishing line 189 00:09:41,980 --> 00:09:46,370 that lies ahead. (speaking in foreign language) 190 00:09:46,370 --> 00:09:49,170 Tomorrow is the big day when the last flap gate 191 00:09:49,170 --> 00:09:51,423 on this inlet will be laid. 192 00:09:51,423 --> 00:09:53,960 (soft music) 193 00:09:53,960 --> 00:09:56,203 Just in time for the Feast of the Redeemer. 194 00:09:57,200 --> 00:09:59,617 (soft music) 195 00:10:00,463 --> 00:10:04,080 The following morning, however, 196 00:10:04,080 --> 00:10:06,033 the weather has suddenly changed. 197 00:10:07,323 --> 00:10:10,090 (eerie music) 198 00:10:10,090 --> 00:10:12,900 The operation to install the last flap gate, 199 00:10:12,900 --> 00:10:16,172 number 19, gets off to a bad start. 200 00:10:16,172 --> 00:10:20,089 (speaking in foreign language) 201 00:10:25,740 --> 00:10:28,640 When the flap gate is gradually being lowered, 202 00:10:28,640 --> 00:10:31,081 the weather deteriorates further. 203 00:10:31,081 --> 00:10:32,447 (waves crashing) (eerie music) 204 00:10:32,447 --> 00:10:33,880 The wind picks up and pushes the waves 205 00:10:33,880 --> 00:10:37,303 straight up the canal. (eerie music) 206 00:10:38,805 --> 00:10:43,377 (speaking in foreign language) 207 00:10:43,377 --> 00:10:44,584 (eerie music) 208 00:10:44,584 --> 00:10:45,417 The risk is too great, 209 00:10:45,417 --> 00:10:47,444 and the engineers decide to give up. 210 00:10:47,444 --> 00:10:52,070 They do so reluctantly, like those who haven't completed 211 00:10:52,070 --> 00:10:53,973 a task before a celebration. 212 00:10:54,920 --> 00:10:58,837 (speaking in foreign language) 213 00:11:00,840 --> 00:11:02,540 What's more, the next day 214 00:11:02,540 --> 00:11:05,455 it's impossible to work even if they want to. 215 00:11:05,455 --> 00:11:06,620 (speaking in foreign language) 216 00:11:06,620 --> 00:11:09,740 Because of the feast, the canal will be full of boats, 217 00:11:09,740 --> 00:11:12,880 and inevitably, the flap gate will have to remain there, 218 00:11:12,880 --> 00:11:14,490 hanging from the grasshopper, 219 00:11:14,490 --> 00:11:18,139 at the mercy of the elements until the celebration is over. 220 00:11:18,139 --> 00:11:20,639 (eerie music) 221 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:27,290 Despite the forecasts, the first rays of sunlight 222 00:11:27,290 --> 00:11:30,000 shine on a cruise ship loaded with passengers 223 00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:32,170 that are looking forward to enjoying the show 224 00:11:32,170 --> 00:11:35,143 of what's the most beloved celebration for Venetians. 225 00:11:36,200 --> 00:11:39,220 The vessel slides past the grasshopper, 226 00:11:39,220 --> 00:11:41,340 which compared to this giant of the sea 227 00:11:41,340 --> 00:11:44,490 seems unusually small, folded on itself, 228 00:11:44,490 --> 00:11:48,420 as if it were ashamed of that last hanging flap gate. 229 00:11:48,420 --> 00:11:51,352 It's as if it knew that Venice needs protecting. 230 00:11:51,352 --> 00:11:53,852 (eerie music) 231 00:11:54,737 --> 00:11:57,500 (people chattering) 232 00:11:57,500 --> 00:12:00,270 The town is bustling with preparations. 233 00:12:00,270 --> 00:12:03,710 The Bridge of Barges on Giudecca Canal is ready. 234 00:12:03,710 --> 00:12:06,820 The faithful and tourists cross it to thank the redeemer 235 00:12:06,820 --> 00:12:08,200 for putting an end to the plague 236 00:12:08,200 --> 00:12:12,124 that starting in 1565 decimated the population. 237 00:12:12,124 --> 00:12:14,791 (bells ringing) 238 00:12:17,640 --> 00:12:18,810 (bright classical music) 239 00:12:18,810 --> 00:12:21,668 To this day, there are crowds of Venetian boats. 240 00:12:21,668 --> 00:12:25,320 (bright classical music) 241 00:12:25,320 --> 00:12:27,150 They eat, drink and dance 242 00:12:27,150 --> 00:12:29,530 to celebrate the return to life, 243 00:12:29,530 --> 00:12:32,350 waiting for the main event at night. 244 00:12:32,350 --> 00:12:35,620 (bright classical music) 245 00:12:35,620 --> 00:12:38,560 An incredible firework display illuminates the sea 246 00:12:38,560 --> 00:12:41,880 opposite San Marcos Square, which is filled beyond belief 247 00:12:41,880 --> 00:12:44,126 with all kinds of boats. 248 00:12:44,126 --> 00:12:49,126 (fireworks blast) (bright classical music) 249 00:12:51,629 --> 00:12:53,040 (soft piano music) 250 00:12:53,040 --> 00:12:54,840 On Monday morning, the weather conditions 251 00:12:54,840 --> 00:12:59,403 are finally perfect. (gentle classical music) 252 00:13:03,240 --> 00:13:06,060 The divers swim underwater to prepare the slots 253 00:13:06,060 --> 00:13:08,271 that will host the hinges. 254 00:13:08,271 --> 00:13:12,188 (speaking in foreign language) 255 00:13:14,096 --> 00:13:19,096 (tense music) (air bubbling) 256 00:13:22,700 --> 00:13:24,740 The divers must also position 257 00:13:24,740 --> 00:13:27,190 the video cameras that allow the control room 258 00:13:27,190 --> 00:13:30,920 to follow the most delicate phase of the descent live, 259 00:13:30,920 --> 00:13:32,413 the hooking of the hinges. 260 00:13:34,014 --> 00:13:39,014 (water trickling) (speaking in foreign language) 261 00:13:50,060 --> 00:13:52,199 The jacks go up and down. 262 00:13:52,199 --> 00:13:54,970 The cables gradually lower the flap gate 263 00:13:54,970 --> 00:13:57,310 according to an asset that allows the hinges 264 00:13:57,310 --> 00:13:59,350 to perfectly slide into the slots 265 00:13:59,350 --> 00:14:01,347 that are ready to fit it. 266 00:14:01,347 --> 00:14:05,264 (speaking in foreign language) 267 00:14:06,550 --> 00:14:09,752 The video cameras film this decisive moment. 268 00:14:09,752 --> 00:14:13,480 The technicians have to constantly make small adjustments 269 00:14:13,480 --> 00:14:16,563 to compensate for all external interference. 270 00:14:18,480 --> 00:14:20,950 (ship horn blaring) 271 00:14:20,950 --> 00:14:23,240 The hinges at the heart of the system 272 00:14:23,240 --> 00:14:25,460 and the technicians know this well. 273 00:14:25,460 --> 00:14:28,830 All electronic connections with the flap gate 274 00:14:28,830 --> 00:14:29,943 pass through them. 275 00:14:31,235 --> 00:14:35,152 (speaking in foreign language) 276 00:14:37,060 --> 00:14:39,660 It's touch down, but it's not over yet. 277 00:14:41,320 --> 00:14:43,890 It's now time for the technicians in the sea tunnel 278 00:14:43,890 --> 00:14:45,163 to complete the hooking. 279 00:14:46,660 --> 00:14:49,590 The piston rises an inch and fuses into the hinge 280 00:14:49,590 --> 00:14:52,760 a hammer hook that by rotating 90 degrees, 281 00:14:52,760 --> 00:14:54,907 secures it to the platform. 282 00:14:54,907 --> 00:14:59,907 (piston humming) (gentle music) 283 00:15:00,870 --> 00:15:02,823 A message arrives from underwater. 284 00:15:03,981 --> 00:15:06,091 (speaking in foreign language) 285 00:15:06,091 --> 00:15:08,810 It's perfectly watertight, operation over. 286 00:15:08,810 --> 00:15:11,083 This step is finished too. 287 00:15:11,083 --> 00:15:15,000 (speaking in foreign language) 288 00:15:20,312 --> 00:15:23,312 (people applauding) 289 00:15:24,280 --> 00:15:26,949 All 19 flap gates are in place. 290 00:15:26,949 --> 00:15:29,180 To release tension, they celebrate 291 00:15:29,180 --> 00:15:32,000 with a glass of Prosecco, from Veneto, of course. 292 00:15:32,000 --> 00:15:32,833 Where else? 293 00:15:33,718 --> 00:15:36,842 (people speaking in foreign language) 294 00:15:36,842 --> 00:15:40,160 (bright music) 295 00:15:40,160 --> 00:15:44,190 The MOSE is a major tech hub where experimentation 296 00:15:44,190 --> 00:15:46,838 constantly provides new solutions. 297 00:15:46,838 --> 00:15:49,255 (soft music) 298 00:15:51,760 --> 00:15:55,270 This prototype, called jack-up, is the latest one. 299 00:15:55,270 --> 00:15:57,790 It was devised to overcome all issues 300 00:15:57,790 --> 00:15:59,860 that had previously emerged. 301 00:15:59,860 --> 00:16:03,133 It's basically a floating and semi-mobile grasshopper 302 00:16:03,133 --> 00:16:06,923 that can load the flap gates directly from the pier. 303 00:16:06,923 --> 00:16:09,570 Its strange C-shape was studied 304 00:16:09,570 --> 00:16:11,570 to lock with the end of the pier 305 00:16:11,570 --> 00:16:14,090 and allow the trolleys to carry the flap gate 306 00:16:14,090 --> 00:16:16,938 right under the raising structure of the jack-up. 307 00:16:16,938 --> 00:16:19,355 (soft music) 308 00:16:23,260 --> 00:16:25,450 In this way, it can be hooked and raised 309 00:16:25,450 --> 00:16:28,110 from the pier directly, saving time 310 00:16:28,110 --> 00:16:30,575 and avoiding complex maneuvers at sea. 311 00:16:30,575 --> 00:16:33,720 (soft music) 312 00:16:33,720 --> 00:16:35,670 The ace in the hole of this vessel 313 00:16:35,670 --> 00:16:39,170 are its four powerful hydrogen engines. 314 00:16:39,170 --> 00:16:43,440 Independent and able to rotate 360 degrees, 315 00:16:43,440 --> 00:16:45,010 they allow the jack-up to perform 316 00:16:45,010 --> 00:16:48,160 extremely precise maneuvers, avoiding the need 317 00:16:48,160 --> 00:16:50,113 to anchor to keep a position. 318 00:16:51,430 --> 00:16:54,390 And here is the second ace in the hole. 319 00:16:54,390 --> 00:16:56,160 Having reached its position, 320 00:16:56,160 --> 00:16:58,230 the computer onboard can neutralize 321 00:16:58,230 --> 00:17:01,260 the effects of the currents, and even movements 322 00:17:01,260 --> 00:17:03,163 caused by passing ships. 323 00:17:04,076 --> 00:17:06,589 (soft classical music) 324 00:17:06,589 --> 00:17:10,056 Finally, the jack-up can lower the legs. 325 00:17:10,056 --> 00:17:12,490 (machine whirring) 326 00:17:12,490 --> 00:17:15,270 A system of hydraulic jacks accompanies them 327 00:17:15,270 --> 00:17:17,350 until they reach the allocated slots 328 00:17:17,350 --> 00:17:20,200 on the underwater platform and gradually, 329 00:17:20,200 --> 00:17:22,340 the entire vessel rises from the sea 330 00:17:22,340 --> 00:17:24,318 by more than one meter. 331 00:17:24,318 --> 00:17:27,300 (speaking in foreign language) 332 00:17:27,300 --> 00:17:30,086 At this point, the technicians can lower the flap gate. 333 00:17:30,086 --> 00:17:31,960 (soft music) 334 00:17:31,960 --> 00:17:34,170 Hanging from four steel cables, 335 00:17:34,170 --> 00:17:37,509 it descends slowly, guided by the spring jacks. 336 00:17:37,509 --> 00:17:40,350 (soft music) 337 00:17:40,350 --> 00:17:42,900 The operations that previously were directed 338 00:17:42,900 --> 00:17:45,700 remotely from the control room can now be controlled 339 00:17:45,700 --> 00:17:47,938 directly from the bridge of the jack-up. 340 00:17:47,938 --> 00:17:50,355 (soft music) 341 00:17:55,600 --> 00:17:58,250 By the end of the year, all mobile barriers 342 00:17:58,250 --> 00:18:00,229 are scheduled to be in place. 343 00:18:00,229 --> 00:18:03,400 (soft music) 344 00:18:03,400 --> 00:18:06,852 The first tests on those already installed have started. 345 00:18:06,852 --> 00:18:09,352 (eerie music) 346 00:18:10,370 --> 00:18:12,640 But it will be many months of tuning and testing 347 00:18:12,640 --> 00:18:15,921 of the entire system before the MOSE is operative. 348 00:18:15,921 --> 00:18:18,754 (plaintive music) 349 00:18:20,670 --> 00:18:22,060 Only then will the world discover 350 00:18:22,060 --> 00:18:24,830 if this colossal megastructure can save Venice 351 00:18:24,830 --> 00:18:26,093 and its ancient beauty. 352 00:18:27,345 --> 00:18:29,762 (soft music)