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Kiel ports in crisis: Two million euros in funding at risk!
After the storm surge in Kiel in 2023, funding is at stake. Repairs in Schilksee and Wellingdorf are delayed.
Kiel ports in crisis: Two million euros in funding at risk!
The Baltic Sea, known by its international name as the Baltic Sea, has been in the headlines in recent months not only for its beauty but also for dramatic weather events. In October 2023, a storm surge caused significant damage to the coast. The port in Kiel-Schilksee was particularly hard hit, where over 40 ships sank. Now the port operator may be forced to pay back two million euros in funding from the state that was made available as a result of the repairs. This is reported by [ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/kiel_neumuenster_ploen_rendsburg-eckernfoerde/ostsee-sturmflut-muessen-kieler-haefen-foerder Gelder-zurueckzahlen,kiel-488.html).
As the port's managing director, Philipp Mühlenhardt, explains, it was not possible to officially put the necessary work out to tender due to time pressure. Since the catastrophic events, extensive repairs have been carried out on bridges and jetties in the port of Schilksee, but the situation remains tense. Other ports in Schleswig-Holstein are also struggling with the consequences of the storm surge.
Problems in the Kiel-Wellingdorf sports harbor
Repairs at the Kiel-Wellingdorf sports harbor are currently at a standstill because the area needs to be examined for old ordnance. These leftover munitions from World War II could severely affect previous plans. Waiting for results also means that the costs of the upcoming repairs, originally estimated at 500,000 euros, will probably be twice as high.
A look at the general situation shows that the Baltic Sea is not only a popular destination for holidaymakers, but is also home to a sensitive ecosystem. The coast in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, for example, offers a combination of calm waters, white sandy beaches and picturesque sandstone cliffs. This region is visited by many tourists, even though bookings for the summer months often take place in November.
The Baltic Sea as travel destinations and its ecological balance
According to wikipedia.org, the Baltic Sea covers an area of approximately 390,000 km² and is a brackish sea with fluctuating salinity. On the banks there are not only quiet beaches, but also old trading cities such as Lübeck and Rostock. The Baltic Sea warmed by 0.85 K in the 20th century, which is increasingly challenging the living conditions in the water.
In the summer months, the Baltic Sea is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation, but also for anglers, because herring and cod are economically important fish species. However, there are challenges such as overfishing and lack of oxygen that threaten the ecological status.
For travelers who want to explore the Baltic Sea, it is advisable to prepare for the cool and windy weather. A rain jacket could therefore be an essential companion, even during the holiday season. For holidaymakers who want to spend less, it is a good idea to tour the region by bike or enjoy fresh fish sandwiches at the stands. In addition, naturism (nudism) is very important on the beaches and many beaches are suitable for this.
The challenges brought about by the storm surge event in Kiel show that the coastal region is not only characterized by its tourist value, but also by its vulnerability. It remains to be hoped that both the repairs and the measures to protect this rich nature can be implemented quickly and efficiently.