Over the past few days, the municipality of Damp has held numerous meetings with harbour operators and local businesses in order to pave the way for the future of Damp marina as quickly as possible. In this context, the municipality issued a press release in which it reaffirmed its intention to "immediately restore" the harbour. This was agreed by the municipal council and the main and finance committees. However, this is subject to the proviso that the state bears 70 per cent of the costs as announced. This is understandable, as the municipality estimates the costs at a staggering 13 million euros according to a new expert report. However, this also includes the construction of a huge new breakwater, or pier: This is to be raised to an impressive 3.4 metres. It was previously around 1.7 metres high. But this is the only way to ensure that the harbour is equipped for the future in the face of climate change.
New tenant in sight for Damp
Surprisingly, the municipality is endeavouring to reach an agreement with the harbour leaseholder, the Vamed Group, which also operates the clinic, to release it from the lease. This would mean that a new tenant and operator could then be found for the harbour. Talks are already underway. The municipality would then put the operation of the harbour out to tender for the next 50 years in accordance with EU procurement and competition law.
The municipality's announcement fits in well with the fact that the state of Schleswig-Holstein is now apparently finally finished with the funding guidelines and these are to be published in the official gazette on 11 March. The municipality of Damp should then be able to plan with certainty as to whether or not it will receive the 70 per cent subsidy.
Partial opening of Damps seems possible
There are also initial positive signals regarding a possible partial opening of the harbour after the Baltic Sea storm surge, so that at least the service operation can continue and the Damp-based Yacht Service Damp can get the many owner-operated vessels in the water that are parked in the halls. Operator Martin Jannsen had commissioned an expert opinion that came to the conclusion that partial operation with around 100 berths should at least be possible in terms of safety. He is also currently having a surveyor's office map the harbour ground at his own expense. This has allegedly revealed that there is not, as feared, still large debris and perhaps even containers lying on the ground that would have to be removed at great expense.
Jannsen is cautiously optimistic that the opening could succeed: "The commitment of the municipality is really great, they have set a lot in motion in recent weeks to offer the berth holders and affected businesses a perspective. And all on a voluntary basis! I think we're on the right track. In any case, we have promised the municipality our full support. We will all have to pull together a little, but with a little patience and sportsmanship, the harbour community has a bright future ahead of it."
