Murings are primarily known from the Mediterranean region. However, buoy fields and moorings are also operated on German federal waterways, mainly by clubs and campsites. The operators pay an annual fee to the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV) for the use of the water areas.
Since 1 May 2021, the federal waterways have been divided into new charge levels in the Ordinance on "User Charges" (VV-WSV 2604). Depending on the square metres used, between 0.82 euros ("very low") and 2.06 euros ("very high") are charged. In accordance with the utilisation agreement, the WSV is also obliged to review every five years whether the utilisation fee complies with the applicable ordinance. As a result, the fee increase that has been in force since May 2021 is not demanded uniformly, but at different times, at five-year intervals after the conclusion of the contract.
For some, the increase in fees therefore comes as a surprise, as in the case of Seglergemeinschaft Steinberghaff e. V. on the Flensburg Fjord: The association is now to pay 1.75 euros per square metre for its 20-boat buoy field, almost doubling the fee from 987 euros to 1,777 euros. At the same time, a further adjustment was announced for 2028 and a sum of 2,621 euros was promised. Costs that the small association will not be able to bear in the foreseeable future.
Four questions for Heinz Dienst from the Steinberghaff sailing club
How much does the fee adjustment affect your organisation?
It affects us to the core. We have 50 members, and our membership fees and club fees are deliberately kept moderate to enable all interested parties - especially young people - to take part in water sports.
Do you see any justification for the increase in costs?
The WSV-Bund has provided us with a natural water area for years to practise our sport. However, there is no other demonstrable service that could justify such an increase in costs.
How will you compensate for the financial pressure?
To cushion the costs somewhat, the board has already decided to reduce the size of the buoy field by a quarter. This means the loss of buoys, costs and income, so we have already reached the end of the line in this respect. We are also discussing an increase in buoy field fees, but this would mean that club members would no longer be able to moor their boat at a buoy or would even leave the club. An increase in membership fees would be particularly difficult to explain to members without a buoy field.
What solution would you like to see for the situation?
The only conceivable way to avoid jeopardising the existence of our club would be to maintain the current level of fees. A five-year increase and even a tripling by 2028 would be the ruin of small clubs like us. In the medium term, it will no longer be possible to enable young people to take part in water sports - it is already difficult enough to find volunteer sailing coaches.
