Renovation of the Greif: The city of Greifswald is facing a decision worth millions!

Renovation of the Greif: The city of Greifswald is facing a decision worth millions!

The future of the sailing training ship “Greif” is in the balance. The citizens of the city of Greifswald have decided to postpone the final decision on financing the renovation of the traditional ship until the beginning of December. The reason for this is the increased renovation costs, which now total 7.7 million euros and require a comprehensive decision. The original cost estimate of 4.4 million euros has more than doubled. In the past, the “Greif” was being renovated at the shipyard in Stralsund, where work has been underway on the city’s maritime ambassador for around three years. NDR reports that the CDU parliamentary group leader Gerd Martin Rappen emphasized that the latest information would be checked and the questions must be discussed within the parliamentary groups.

The “Greif” is not only the only sailing training ship built in the GDR, but also a symbol of the maritime history of the region. After the ship lost its seaworthiness in 2020, a comprehensive renovation became necessary, which was already planned in 2020 with a budget of 3.5 million euros. But the unforeseen damage to the outer shell and the bankruptcy of the company originally commissioned led to delays and higher costs. The company Strela Shiprepair has now taken over the work, and according to a report from n-tv Progress is already evident: the hull has a new coat of paint, the masts are in place and the deck superstructure is almost assembled.

New costs, new considerations

In order to continue the renovation, the city would have to raise an additional three million euros. This could give the citizens of Greifswald a choice: cancel the renovation, continue as a museum ship or sell the traditional ship. The political groups are aware of the financial pressure; The SPD/Die Linke is considering making the funds available, but suggests reconsidering its future use, for example as a charter ship or event location. The Rahsegler Greif support association has now collected over 2,700 signatures to support the continuation of the renovation work.

The political discussion is also being accompanied by the AfD, whose parliamentary group leader Nikolaus Kramer is calling for the federal government to take greater responsibility for the preservation of the traditional ship. Mayor Stefan Fassbinder is holding discussions with various funding providers. The reason for this is the prospect that a federal foundation could begin providing up to ten million euros annually for the preservation of traditional ships in 2026. Also reported yacht that the federal government is now planning to financially support municipalities and support associations in the preservation of traditional ships.

A maritime heritage in danger?

The “Greif” not only represents a piece of history, but also an important part of the maritime tradition that needs to be preserved. With the planned return to service in 2025, the expectations of citizens are increasing, who have campaigned for the preservation of the ship through an online petition with around 1,500 signatures. At a time when traditional ships are to be promoted more than ever, the question arises: Can Greifswald take responsibility for this maritime heritage? The coming meeting in December will be crucial – the hearts of the people of Greifswald beat around the “Greif”.