There was great outrage when the Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal Defence and Nature Conservation Agency (NLWKN) introduced a new fee regulation for the use of the locks in the Ems-Jade Canal at the end of April (YACHT reported).
But now water sports enthusiasts in East Frisia and Wangerland can breathe a sigh of relief. The NLWKN and the water sports clubs and associations have agreed on a compromise that means a return to the old practice for many: members of clubs in the region that are affiliated with the Lower Saxony Sailing Association or the German Motor Yacht Association (DMYV) can continue to sail from Emden to Wilhelmshaven all year round free of charge. Their umbrella organisations pay the fee to the state authority.
However, others no longer travel for free as before: anyone who is a member of a sailing or motorboat club on the East Frisian peninsula that does not belong to one of the associations can travel for free for a reduced rate of 40 euros, all others for 70 euros. The lock flat rate is worthwhile for anyone who passes through the canal more than once, as guests otherwise pay for each individual lock passage - a single trip through the entire canal then costs 36 euros.
A vignette, clearly visible on the port side of the boat, serves as proof of free passage. Guests can buy them at the tourist information centres in Emden, Wilhelmshaven, Friedeburg and Leer. "Boots-Pass EJK/NGFK" is the name of the free pass, which should make locking the locks much easier and is available from today in a pilot phase. Members and members of the regional associations based on the canal can obtain it via a Form on the DMYV association website .
