Schleswig-Holstein's first electric ferry Welt Ahoi remains stranded!

Schleswig-Holstein's first electric ferry Welt Ahoi remains stranded!

The electric ferry “Welt Ahoi” was supposed to be an environmentally friendly highlight in the ferry traffic from Lübeck-Travemünde, but it has been standing still since a dramatic incident in November 2024. During a test trip there was a collision with another ferry, which was attributed to a complete system failure. So far it has not been possible to resolve the problems and the Lübeck municipal utility company has not yet provided any concrete information as to when the ferry can go back into operation. According to NDR, the hope remains that the world of Ahoy will soon be able to provide emission-free ferry trips.

The hybrid ferry, which promises space for 250 people, 15 bicycles and 18 cars, is currently stalling. It should already be fully operational, but technical difficulties, including inadequate loading flaps and errors in the control software, have massively delayed the start. Stadtwerke spokesman Lars Hertrampf expresses his regret about the current standstill and the associated inconveniences. Everyone involved agrees that it is better to temporarily forgo trips in order to correct the errors, as Kreizeitung reports.

Technical challenges and costs

The challenges should not be underestimated. Defects in “Welt Ahoy” go beyond simple technical problems. This also includes the fact that pedestrians and cyclists can only use one side of the ferry and the different hardware components do not function smoothly. The shipyard and the municipal utilities are arguing about the causes of these defects and the associated costs, which makes the solution even more difficult.

Despite these setbacks, the development of electric ferries like the “Welt Ahoi” also offers great opportunities. Electric ferries generally have lower operating costs compared to diesel ferries, which is due to lower energy consumption and also possible government subsidies. These ferries could not only help reduce air and noise pollution, but also improve the quality of life in communities, as Candela explains.

The future in sight

The “Welt Ahoi” is not only a symbol of innovative technology, but also a necessity. Ferry traffic in Lübeck-Travemünde must continue to be guaranteed, while the existing fleet of ferries such as “Travemünde” and “Pötenitz” ensure the crossing. It still remains uncertain when the “Welt Ahoi” will finally be able to go into service. The Lübeck public utilities are working hard on a solution strategy to get the ferry back into service as quickly as possible. But time is of the essence, because in today's environmentally conscious society, really good approaches to sustainable transport are very popular.