The latest statement from the operator, the Vamed clinic group, now reads as follows:
"We confirm that the Waterways and Shipping Authority lifted the closure of Damper Hafen on 4 June 2024. New operational and safety inspections have shown that the safe operation of jetties A to D is possible again. From 1 July 2024, 100 berths will be available again in Damper Hafen. It is currently not possible to predict when Damper Harbour will be fully usable again. For this reason, the Ostsee Resort Damp gave notice to the harbour berth holders in a letter dated 29 May. The cancellations are also a condition for being able to hand over the harbour to a new operator in a timely manner and free of legal restrictions."
Which jetties can be called at in Damp marina?
This means that the harbour can now also be used by guests from 1 July, but only the part in the south-west, specifically jetties A to D, can be used. The other parts of the harbour cannot be used due to damage that has not even been repaired yet and are cordoned off with construction fences and flutter tape. There has recently been a great deal of confusion and dispute about this step between three parties: the operator Vamed, which also manages the clinic, the owner of the harbour, the municipality of Damp and the management of the charter base and Yachtservice Damp. In recent weeks and months, the latter had campaigned for a partial opening, had expert reports drawn up at its own expense, had the ground surveyed and worked through the resulting repair requirements.
More on the topic:
Only in this way was it possible a few weeks ago for the responsible water and shipping authority to lift the closure imposed on the harbour due to safety deficiencies and now allow the southern section to be operated. During an on-site inspection together with representatives of the municipality, the WSA, the water police and the managing director of Real Sailing and Yachtservice Damp, Martin Janssen, it was agreed that the harbour would be partially opened. When Janssen then publicised this via his customer newsletter and a press release, Vamed responded with a press release to YACHT in which the opening was denied because the operator alone could decide on this.
Is the cancellation by Vamed legal?
After a few days of intense wrangling behind the scenes, the above press release hopefully brings the tug-of-war to a favourable end for many sailors. The charter base and yacht service have been running as usual for some time now. It is unclear what will happen to the permanent berths of those owners who are moored at jetties A to D. One would think that they could now return to their berths with relief, but Vamed has cancelled all of them with a deadline of the end of May. Some owners dispute the legality of this cancellation and it is rumoured that lawyers are already being contacted behind the scenes.
Around 400 owners suddenly found themselves stranded with their boats after the harbour was closed. A number of them have since found temporary accommodation in other harbours along the coast, but by no means all of them.
Can sailors use the harbour as guest berths again?
The important question now is, can sailors use the harbour as guest berths again? This finally seems to be the case in parts A to D of the harbour. However, due to the reduced number of places, around 150, you should certainly not arrive too late and it is best to enquire with the harbour master Philipp Tröger beforehand whether places are available. He can be contacted on 04352 80-8539. Another note: Diesel can already be filled up again at the petrol station, but petrol is not yet available.
It was also important to the municipality that some life returned to the damaged harbour; with the barriers and no yachts at all, Damp already looked a little battered and deserted. Not so attractive for land-based holidaymakers either. Now all parties involved are hoping that something like a seasonal feeling will emerge and perhaps make up a little for the botched start.
