New hope for the Elbe ferry: Brunsbüttel and Cuxhaven are fighting for connection

Von Kl Redaktion

The desire to restore the ferry connection between Brunsbüttel and Cuxhaven becomes loud in both cities. In a current feasibility study, Ramboll experts examined the possibilities and challenges of such a project. The study was published on Monday and sparked the interest of both municipalities that the Elbe would like to use as a connecting waterway.

The ferry connection, which was operated by December 2021, had to be discontinued due to the bankruptcy of the then operator, Elbferry GmbH. This step came after a decline in tourists and rising fuel costs that were no longer portable. Now those responsible in Brunsbüttel and Cuxhaven are hoping for a feasibility study that promises positive prospects, but also shows significant hurdles.

challenges for a new ferry operation

The feasibility study shows that the economically profitable ferry operation between the two cities is possible. However, there are considerable challenges. The initial investments required for the company amount to 30 to 50 million euros should new ships be purchased. This represents a great financial hurdle, especially since there are no funding from the EU.

An additional problem is the high fuel costs. While Diesel is currently the cheapest fuel option, this does not correspond to the environmental policy goals that provide for CO2 emissions by 90 percent by 2050. This means that operators who want to operate the ferry line in the long term have to invest in more environmentally friendly technologies such as hydrogen or methanol. However, these alternatives are currently expensive, which makes the initial phase of restoring the ferry connection.

However, the study reveals positive aspects. Cuxhaven is already producing hydrogen for supplying ships that commute medium platform to the oil platform. There are also plans for hydrogen production on the west coast and in Hamburg, which is considered a promising step for the future energy supply of the ferry.

The economic benefit of a ferry connection

The mayors of Brunsbüttel, Martin Schmedtje, sees great advantages in a renewed ferry connection. Tourists could be put on again and the local economy would benefit. Schmedtje emphasizes that the energy coast and the booming region of West Coast offer further development opportunities. The ferry connection could act as a link between the two cities that are currently separated by the Elbe.

In view of the urgency and the economic importance of the connection, it is recommended to quickly have conversations with potential shipping companies. Successful cooperation could enable cities to restore the ferry connection in the long run. To achieve this, it is essential to create long -term contractual terms that strengthen trust in a permanent connection.

expanded perspectives for the future

The consolidation of the ferry connection could not only boost tourism, but also win new logistics customers. The value of this construction would go far beyond the pure transport service. In addition to promoting the regional economy, the ferry could also offer important sustainable transport solutions that are in line with the environmental issues of today.

In fact, there is already political support for this advance, such as a delegation from Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, which advertises in Berlin for help for the restart of the ferry connection. This shows that the idea of ​​not only seeing the Elbe as a dividing line, but as a connecting element, possibly already within reach.

economic importance of the ferry connection

The potential revival of the ferry connection between Brunsbüttel and Cuxhaven could bring considerable economic advantages for the region. The cities are located on the mouth of the Elbe, a strategically important place for trade and transport. A ferry connection could not only promote tourist traffic, but also improve logistics between two important economic centers.

The connection for the energy industry is particularly relevant, since both Brunsbüttel and Cuxhaven are important locations for renewable energies. The promotion of the hydrogen market at both locations could also be supported by the ferry connection, e.g. by transporting hydrogen between production facilities and consumers.

Current political framework conditions

The political framework plays a crucial role in realizing the ferry connection. At the regional and nationwide level there is a growing interest in strengthening the infrastructure for renewable energies, especially with regard to European climate policy. Initiatives and programs for promoting sustainable mobility and switching to low -emission modes of transport could support the plans.

In addition, local politicians and business representatives have already initiated talks at the political level in order to gain support for the ferry connection. In recent years, the federal and state governments have launched numerous funding programs that aim to strengthen traffic and transport infrastructure, which could also favor the project.

passenger numbers and potential market potential

In order to evaluate the economy of the new ferry connection, it is important to analyze the potential passenger numbers. Before the Elbe ferry was closed in 2021, several ten thousand passengers were registered annually. A survey by the State Statistical Office Schleswig-Holstein showed that a significant part of the population from both Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony supported a reopening of the ferry connection.

In addition, the implementation of modern booking systems and cooperation with regional tourism organizations could help increase the attractiveness of the ferry connection and generate additional income.