City has to make a clear decision: 24/7 operation of the sea lock in danger!

City has to make a clear decision: 24/7 operation of the sea lock in danger!

Wilhelmshaven, Deutschland - In Wilhelmshaven, the Hafenwirtschafts-Vereinigung (WHV) has raised alarm. It reacts to possible changes in urban cost sharing in the continuous operation of the sea lock. Such a project could have serious consequences for the port location. The President of the WHV, John Niemann, commented: "A termination of the proportionate cost sharing by the city would be harmful to the port industry and thus the entire port location." The sea lock could then have to work again in limited times, which would negatively influence competitiveness.

Niemann also emphasized the importance of continuous operating times: "We have to look at the other German seaports, but especially at Antwerp and Rotterdam - nowhere is there any time restrictions on the lock operation." It is essential for him that the port is always ready to absorb ships without delays. The third largest German port, which is located in Lower Saxony, has to occur with a positive message to signal support for the port industry and convey strong prospects to the outside world.

investments and economic importance

The WHV points out that the city benefits from every investment in the maritime economy, be it through trade tax revenue or the creation of jobs. For example, companies such as Alba, the new Jadewerft, Turbo technology and jade service have invested considerably in their locations. These investments not only strengthen the economy on site, but also ensure that jobs are created and secured.

The WHV has been working for the loss of lock fees since the 1990s and has fought for longer operating times of the sea lock. This resulted in the fact that the access to the inner port has been possible around the clock since 1997, an agreement that was contractually stated between the federal government, the owner of the lock, and the country. The costs for the extended operating times have so far been divided between the state of Lower Saxony and the city, whereby the city was supposed to bear a share of around 130,000 euros in 2024.

However, this cost share is only based on an oral agreement and a protocol, which does the whole fragile. The Committee on Economics, Tourism and Häfen then passed a change application that urges the city to take up new negotiations with the country. The Council will decide on this topic on Wednesday. The draft resolution clarifies that it is not about restricting the lock times, but that the city should only be relieved financially.

general interest and responsibility

WHV Vice President Hans-Joachim Uhlendorf underlined the importance of the 24/7 operation of the sea lock in the committee meeting. He sees port access as a basic infrastructure performance that is attributable to public services. "The city also has a responsibility towards the companies and associations based on the inner port," said Uhlendorf. The majority of the committee members were also clearly showed for the around the clock of the sea lock.

The Situation around the sea lock illustrates the challenges with which the port industry in Wilhelmshaven is confronted. At a time when the competition among the port locations becomes more intensive, it is of great importance to secure the necessary framework conditions for successful and continuous operation. The well -being of the local companies and the economic stability of the region depend crucially from a stable and reliable port operation.

For more information and details on this topic, see the current reporting on www.nwzonline.de .