Future of the Kampnagel crane: City of Cuxhaven is fighting to preserve it!

Future of the Kampnagel crane: City of Cuxhaven is fighting to preserve it!

In Cuxhaven, the historic Kampnagel crane is once again causing lively discussions. The famous crane, which stands on the Steubenhöft near the city center, was dismantled in March 2023. Since then, the city and the port operator Niedersachsen Ports (NPorts) have been fighting for the future of this important industrial facility. Loud CNV Media NPorts managing director Holger Banik expressed skepticism: He considers re-erecting the crane to be “not expedient and too expensive”.

The Cuxhaven town hall is not enthusiastic about this view. The head of the building department, Andreas Eickmann, states that Banik's assessment is his personal opinion. There were several discussions with NPorts and the branch manager Knut Kokkelink about the reconstruction of the crane. An expert who specializes in the restoration of technical systems was also found and is working on a concept for re-erecting the crane - albeit without function. A corresponding report is still pending.

The location of the city

The city of Cuxhaven has clear plans: It is against the demolition of the crane and is striving for a joint solution with NPorts. Eickmann emphasizes that the crane, which was built by Kampnagel in 1959, is an important architectural monument for the city. According to information from North24 The monument protection authority has already rejected a demolition application from NPorts, which suits the city's planning.

Nevertheless, Eickmann admits that there are deformations on the crane that are viewed as a safety risk. This problem brings with it further discussion and leaves it unclear what will happen next with the building. No matter how you look at it, the city still maintains its desire to have the crane re-erected, even though Banik says the restorer's current cost estimates are considered high.

Look at funding programs

Another element in this discussion could be a support program within the framework of the investment law for coal regions, as stated on the website of Ministry of Culture is described. This program supports the protection, renovation and restoration of outstanding industrial buildings and facilities and could therefore also be important for the fate of the Kampnagel crane. The measures will be implemented in close coordination with the affected countries, although the city of Cuxhaven could possibly apply for support here.

Exactly what steps the city will take next remains to be seen. What is certain is that the Kampnagel crane plays an important role in Cuxhaven, both symbolically and historically. How the discussion will continue and whether the crane will one day stand proudly on the Steubenhöft again is currently uncertain.