Ferry Tanja remains out of service: bridge plans failed!

Ferry Tanja remains out of service: bridge plans failed!

The Elbe ferry “Tanja” between Darchau and Neu Darchau is currently out of service again. The reason for this? Low water is affecting the ferry, which has been causing massive disruption to commuters and traffic for 50 days. Operations staff express concern about the uncertain duration of this situation. The operations manager Andreas Dau appeared desperate in an interview and reported on the consequences: The seven ferrymen are currently on short-time work.

This predicament is exacerbated by the fact that the ferry “Tanja”, at 65 years old, was not built for frequent groundings and low water. She is currently in the shipyard in Lauenburg for repairs to propulsion damage caused by the current conditions. Plans for a new ferry model with 40 cm less draft, which would cost around 8 million euros, are also being discussed. Around 500 motor vehicles and 300 people cross the Elbe every day through the ferry alone.

No pontoon bridge and an uncertain future

The situation is all the more frustrating because a planned pontoon bridge between Darchau and Neu Darchau, which was intended as a temporary solution, cannot be realized. Andreas Gehrke, mayor of the municipality of Amt Neuhaus, had advocated for the construction of this bridge, but a preliminary examination showed that the costs for the project would exceed a six-figure amount - and that was unacceptable to anyone. In addition, decision-makers could not agree on who should bear the costs.

Despite the presence of two state secretaries at a meeting in the sports hall where possible solutions were discussed, Prime Minister Lies stayed away from the discussion. The state government has decided not to approve any bridge construction and instead plan an improved ferry concept. This new crossing will cost more than 90 million euros and is intended to ensure better connections for the sparsely populated Neuhaus district, which has been part of Lower Saxony since 1993.

Particular attention is paid to the fact that the construction of a permanent Elbe crossing is demanded by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Crafts, as the current situation is intolerable for companies and employees. In the meantime, the “Amt Neuhaus” ferry is available as a replacement solution between Bleckede and Neu Bleckede.

The citizens and companies affected remain hopeful that a permanent solution will soon be in sight, as these disruptions to ferry operations not only affect private transport, but also economic activities in the region.