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Ferry companies in Saxony-Anhalt: Financial distress and bureaucratic crisis!
Saxony-Anhalt supports ferry companies financially to overcome challenges such as floods and staff shortages.
Ferry companies in Saxony-Anhalt: Financial distress and bureaucratic crisis!
In Saxony-Anhalt, ferry operators are facing major challenges. Due to weather extremes such as high and low water, staff absences and urgently needed repairs, ferry companies are coming under increasing financial pressure. According to a report by MDR It is primarily the communities and municipalities that bear the brunt of the costs for the ferries. The mayor of Barby, Jörn Weinert (CDU), criticizes the current practice of viewing the financing of the ferries as a voluntary expense. His city spends around 265,000 euros a year to operate three ferries, which puts a significant strain on the budget.
Another big problem is staff shortages. In Coswig, for example, you can only hire a new ferryman in a year. The ferry company's operations manager, Matthias Mohs, also complains about the bureaucratic obstacles that hinder the smooth running of the ferry connections. René Schernikau, the mayor of the municipality, is calling for a review of the legal requirements to relieve this financial situation in the short term.
Financial support from the country
In order to help the ferry companies, the state government of Saxony-Anhalt has now promised financial support. How Traffic review reported that the country is providing almost 360,000 euros for two ferry operators. This measure aims to relieve municipal ferry owners of rising operating costs and necessary modernizations.
For example, the Saale ferry Brachwitz will be supported with a grant of 160,000 euros, while the Elbe ferry Prettin will benefit from a further around 200,000 euros. Transport Minister Thomas Webel (CDU) is very interested in promoting these important transport connections, which not only shorten journeys but are also more environmentally friendly.
A look into the future
The tense situation also brings with it considerations for improving the infrastructure in the long term. Infrastructure Minister Lydia Hüskens (FDP) is planning a visit to Barby to discuss the ferry situation on site. Discussions are ongoing about possible cost contributions from surrounding communities and districts. The state is also examining the construction of bridges in four areas of the Elbe in order to relieve pressure on ferry connections and find long-term solutions.
The mayors agree on one point: bureaucratic hurdles must be reduced in order to be able to operate the ferries efficiently. The current support is seen as a step in the right direction, but the discussion about upcoming revisions and necessary funding for repairs between them remains present and crucial to keeping ferry operations on track.