Waste of tax money: Schlei gets the old ferry back for 50,000 euros!

Waste of tax money: Schlei gets the old ferry back for 50,000 euros!

A failed project is causing a lot of conversation in the Schleswig-Holstein area. The plan was to build a modern electric ferry that would replace the old diesel ferry “Missunde II”. But in recent years there have been more hurdles than progress, which is increasingly attracting criticism.

The previous problems began in 2019, when a feasibility study was commissioned into the condition of the old ferry. Since the “Missunde II” was no longer considered reliable, the state government decided in 2021 to commission a new ferry that would also have solar panels. The total cost of the project amounts to 3.3 million euros, and completion was originally planned for autumn 2022.

Delays and additional costs

However, the project quickly began to prove more complicated than expected. Low water levels and difficulties in procuring electronic components repeatedly led to delays. Ultimately, the test drives did not begin until January 2024, which tested the patience of residents and commuters. In the meantime, the old ferry was sold, requiring additional detours for users.

The new ferry, “Missunde III”, was supposed to shine with a variety of modern features, but significant deficiencies became apparent as early as March 2024. The ferry was no longer able to dock safely at wind force 3, which resulted in unresolved design errors. Particularly problematic were the insufficient berthing facilities, which required extensive reconstruction of the infrastructure.

Retrofitting and buying back the old ferry

In April 2024, a real sensation was recorded: the state of Schleswig-Holstein was forced to buy back the old “Missunde II” and paid around 50,000 euros for it. The Waterways and Shipping Authority had extended the operating license for the scrapped ferry until 2028, which allowed the old ferry to operate again.
The plans for the new “Missunde III” now set a new time frame: commissioning is now only planned for the end of 2025.

But the difficulties don't stop there. In September 2024, the country had to raise another 50,000 euros for the “Missunde II” because the Danish buyer had negotiated a right of repurchase, which entailed a not insignificant financial risk.

Given the increasing expenses, the situation is difficult for many to understand. Overall, the construction costs for the new ferry now amount to around four million euros, around 700,000 euros more than originally estimated. "In our eyes, we are sticking to an idea that is unsustainable in implementation. Tax money is being burned here," said concerned citizens in an online petition calling for the preservation of "Missunde II".

The problem is not just financial - it also affects the mobility and quality of life of people in the region. It remains to be seen how those responsible will respond to the current challenges and what measures will be taken to resolve the situation. as reported.